Decision 2006 (Recreated)

[hail2skins]

Okay, I guess everyone now knows that Gibbs announced the Jason Campbell era begins this weekend. If you don't know, where the heck have you been. Gibbs said that this decision was hard for him because it looks as though he placing the blame of the team's problems on one person and that's not the case. He then said they hope to get answers to some questions and more production with the change. I reiterate that he said it was a hard decision for him.

Now, there are some folks out there who believe the decision wasn't Gibbs' decision alone and that he was probably influenced by the front office to make this decision. When asked, Gibbs said he makes the final decisions around here. There was one caller into a show yesterday that said he believed this was a marketing ploy by the front office to keep the fanbase interested and attending games with 3 straight home games coming up. If it wasn't announced, he felt the fans would have stayed away from those games and the front office didn't want that.

So, what do you think. Do you think this was a Gibbs only decision or do you think he was influenced (maybe coerced) by the front office.

Be warned, this poll is public.

[smoak]

LOL! Peer pressure? :D

[hail2skins]

Add your justifications either way.

[AGibbsGirl]

I was even thinking he got a phone call from Sonny...:D

I think Gibbs was out numbered. I think that he did hear some "suggestions" from the top. I think that Gibbs is so sick of replacing QB's halfway through the season that he had blinders on.

Was Brunnell playing well? it could be said, did the team have confidence in him? I think not, and even with a decent QB rating, the fans certainly did not have confidence in him....why shouldn't we think that the front office also didn't have any more confidence in him?

I think this was a collective decision and Gibbs finally saw the light

[akhhorus]

John Clayton had a little nugget on ESPN which makes me think that this was Gibbs' decision:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week10

Every Monday, Joe Gibbs assembles his assistants for a staff meeting. The subject of third-string quarterback Jason Campbell comes up. Each week, Gibbs goes around the room and has an open discussion of when to give Campbell the chance to start ahead of quarterback Mark Brunell.

I doubt that Snyder would even push Gibbs for this, and I'm even more certain that Gibbs wouldn't budge if he did.

[Patrick]

As long as Gibbs is in charge of the Team and Team Operations (not to be confuse with stadium operations and marketing the team) - Danny will sit in the backround, smile, write the checks, and host whoever he want in his LuxBox.
The only pressure Gibbs was feeling was from Saunders who has probably been crying the BLUES from day #1 that Burnell is not the QB to run HIS offense. Now whether he happy that Gibbs made the move to JC - that's remains to be seen.

[AliBabba]

John Clayton had a little nugget on ESPN which makes me think that this was Gibbs' decision:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week10



I doubt that Snyder would even push Gibbs for this, and I'm even more certain that Gibbs wouldn't budge if he did.
I pictured the decision being made this way as well.

[dj_stouty]

I'm sorry, but I can't buy the theory that Danny or any other person in the front office coerced Gibbs into this. Did they give their 2 cents? Sure...as I'm sure so did Al and the rest of the coaching staff. But Gibbs hand was NOT forced, IMO.

[CNYSkinFan]

Yeah I guess the poll is worded in a way you could answer that Gibbs was influenced by the front office, but I doubt coerced or forced into it. Everyone is influenced by what their bosses want no matter how much autonomy they have in their job. I just don't think Gibbs would let that influence make a decision he was not already ready to make.

[smoak]

I was even thinking he got a phone call from Sonny...:D

I think Gibbs was out numbered. I think that he did hear some "suggestions" from the top. I think that Gibbs is so sick of replacing QB's halfway through the season that he had blinders on.

Was Brunnell playing well? it could be said, did the team have confidence in him? I think not, and even with a decent QB rating, the fans certainly did not have confidence in him....why shouldn't we think that the front office also didn't have any more confidence in him?

I think this was a collective decision and Gibbs finally saw the light

I'm not sure what was said behind closed doors, but publicly guys were very supportive. Especially Moss... Unless I missed some quotes b/c I admittedly don't read the articles as much b/c I'm so busy at work.

I agree that Gibbs listens to other sources, I just don't see him as being influenced. If so, this change takes place two weeks ago or more.

[redskin_rich]

Gibbs made the final decision as he does with all football related decisions, on and off the field.
As to the theory that the front office wanted to make sure the fans attend, well that is the typical talk radio blather you can and most likely will hear on any given day. The tickets have been paid for since the summer and anyone who chooses not to attend a game that they have paid good money for is probably not going to be swayed by a change in the lineup. I think most people that have given up on the team have already sold their tickets.

[hail2skins]

Yeah I guess the poll is worded in a way you could answer that Gibbs was influenced by the front office, but I doubt coerced or forced into it. Everyone is influenced by what their bosses want no matter how much autonomy they have in their job. I just don't think Gibbs would let that influence make a decision he was not already ready to make.Yeah, it's probably not worded correctly but there are some out there who think Danny had something to do with it. There are some media folks who think he did. Whether that's coersion or influence, who knows. I wanted to see what the folks of hR thought about it.

[CNYSkinFan]

Gibbs made the final decision as he does with all football related decisions, on and off the field.
As to the theory that the front office wanted to make sure the fans attend, well that is the typical talk radio blather you can and most likely will hear on any given day. The tickets have been paid for since the summer and anyone who chooses not to attend a game that they have paid good money for is probably not going to be swayed by a change in the lineup. I think most people that have given up on the team have already sold their tickets..

I never understood this theory when it comes to the redskins who have a 15 year waiting list for season ticket holders. I can't believe merchandising will make THAT much money on a QB change. And if Campbell gets put in and fails that could be a more devastating financial hit ont eh redskins then Mark's continual borderline performances.

[RedskinsDave]

I think this was Gibbs call on his own. I don't think he likes making the move because I also don't think Gibbs thinks Campbell is ready. I think he realized that the season is done and since he and the other guys wasted multiple picks on Campbell they better as heck find out if he can play.

[28thegreat]

The poll question is pretty hazy. (Sorry, h2s) See I think Gibbs was influenced by many factors. The FO was one of them. So is pleasing the fans and putting a team on the field that keeps them coming. The coaching staff and probably even the players had varying degrees of input. But ULTIMATELY, JJG has the final word in player personnel. The Clayton article fits very well with my understanding of Gibbs' leadership style. Get input from others, but ultimately make the final decision. So was he INFLUENCED by the FO? Yes, but also by many other factors, including his own desire to put a winning team on the field.

[SkinsASchamps]

Gibbs call but if anything pressured him it was the fans. We need something to make us happy. JC is the right decision for the team and the fans.

[PennSkinsFan]

I am guess here that it was a combination. I think at some point Gibbs was reaching the conclusion that but sticking with Brunell out of a personal friendship and loyalty thing was perhaps not the best avenue to continue on. There is no doubt Gibbs puts much stock in personal relationships and that is a positive personal character attribute, but in this regard, it also may have caused some initial clouded judgment. I think as Gibbs was mulling and coming to grips with the decision, there were also some discussion between Gibbs and Snyder in this regard.

[smoak]

Gibbs made the final decision as he does with all football related decisions, on and off the field.
As to the theory that the front office wanted to make sure the fans attend, well that is the typical talk radio blather you can and most likely will hear on any given day. The tickets have been paid for since the summer and anyone who chooses not to attend a game that they have paid good money for is probably not going to be swayed by a change in the lineup. I think most people that have given up on the team have already sold their tickets.

Couldn't agree more! Like with any event in life, it isn't about the people who aren't there, it is about the people who ARE. Hopfully they give up their seats to someone else who can enjoy the game and root for the Redskins.

[smoak]

Gibbs call but if anything pressured him it was the fans. We need something to make us happy. JC is the right decision for the team and the fans.

The day ANY coach listens to the uneducated mass of fanbase, is the day they need to hang up the whistle.

[hail2skins]

The poll question is pretty hazy. (Sorry, h2s) See I think Gibbs was influenced by many factors. The FO was one of them. So is pleasing the fans and putting a team on the field that keeps them coming. The coaching staff and probably even the players had varying degrees of input. But ULTIMATELY, JJG has the final word in player personnel. The Clayton article fits very well with my understanding of Gibbs' leadership style. Get input from others, but ultimately make the final decision. So was he INFLUENCED by the FO? Yes, but also by many other factors, including his own desire to put a winning team on the field.Well, we've all heard stories about the Danny and his medling before so the question isn't hazy. It may not be worded correctly but it is a good question. I actually heard media and callers last night call in and say they think this is more of a Danny thing than Gibbs thing. People may not like it but there are those who think and believe it.

[hail2skins]

The day ANY coach listens to the uneducated mass of fanbase, is the day they need to hang up the whistle.LOL, there was a coach who said that too.

[PennSkinsFan]

Well, we've all heard stories about the Danny and his medling before so the question isn't hazy. It may not be worded correctly but it is a good question. I actually heard media and callers last night call in and say they think this is more of a Danny thing than Gibbs thing. People may not like it but there are those who think and believe it.
and there is an abudence of history to support it, although I don't take that side completely. Like I said, I think Gibbs was mulling it and Snyder helped move Gibbs to where he is now.

[SkinsASchamps]

The day ANY coach listens to the uneducated mass of fanbase, is the day they need to hang up the whistle.

Gibbs is the only coach in his press conferences who apologizes to the fans for not stoping to say hi to them on his way out of Ashburn. Gibbs cares a lot about the fans. Im not saying he made the decision because the fans told him to but there is pressure from the fans to succeed or put out a good product and Jason Campbell is what the fans wanted. Campbell gives this team an excuse now. They can play poorly because the QB is inexperienced. He has had plenty of time to study but he will have the "he's a rook" type of excuse built in if neccessary.

[smoak]

LOL, there was a coach who said that too.

Do you know who by any chance?

[hail2skins]

Do you know who by any chance?for some reason I'm thinking Walsh.

[smoak]

Gibbs is the only coach in his press conferences who apologizes to the fans for not stoping to say hi to them on his way out of Ashburn. Gibbs cares a lot about the fans. Im not saying he made the decision because the fans told him to but there is pressure from the fans to succeed or put out a good product and Jason Campbell is what the fans wanted. Campbell gives this team an excuse now. They can play poorly because the QB is inexperienced. He has had plenty of time to study but he will have the "he's a rook" type of excuse built in if neccessary.

IMO (and only my opinion) you are contorting his genorosity and kindness towards the fans with any feeling of obligation to them. There has never ever been one piece of evidence (of which I am aware) to suggest that Gibbs feels any obligation to the fans in terms of his coaching decisions. I went to Redskins Park after the loss to Seattle and Gibbs and Salave'a were the only two to thank everyone who came out. Most players didn't even wave goodbye as they sped away in their vehicles that cost more than what most of folks make in a year... But Gibbs stood out in the freezing cold thanking people, signing autographs, talking, laughing... He cares for people as a Christian and as a fellow human being. But by all accounts and everything I have ever read, he is competitive to the core and would step over all of us to win. He couldn't give a rats behind what people think if he felt it was the best decision with respect to winning.

[dj_stouty]

I am guess here that it was a combination. I think at some point Gibbs was reaching the conclusion that but sticking with Brunell out of a personal friendship and loyalty thing was perhaps not the best avenue to continue on. There is no doubt Gibbs puts much stock in personal relationships and that is a positive personal character attribute, but in this regard, it also may have caused some initial clouded judgment. I think as Gibbs was mulling and coming to grips with the decision, there were also some discussion between Gibbs and Snyder in this regard.

I personlly don't believe Gibbs allows his personal relationships with his players to cloud his decision making process. I think Gibbs has more loyalty to the fans and his team than to any one individual.

When it came to Brunell...Gibbs realized they won after stickign with him last year and he wanted to give it another shot this year. He is the one who watches him practice...and he is the one who knows more about Jason's development than anyone.

I don't think we know enough about the situation to assume Gibbs put his loyalty to Brunell over that of the team and winning games.

[RedskinRyan]

im sure the FO asked gibbs when campbell was going to play, but it still ultimately comes down to gibbs. and at 3-6 with how porous our defense is, he prolly knew we should start planning for next year.

plus, you have to think of the success over the last few years. ben roethlisberger as a rookie, bruce gradkowski to an extent. matt leinart started off exceptionally well, and vince young has had his games. phillip rivers waited awhile, and is working out well. plus other young qbs.

[SkinsASchamps]

IMO (and only my opinion) you are contorting his genorosity and kindness towards the fans with any feeling of obligation to them. There has never ever been one piece of evidence (of which I am aware) to suggest that Gibbs feels any obligation to the fans in terms of his coaching decisions. I went to Redskins Park after the loss to Seattle and Gibbs and Salave'a were the only two to thank everyone who came out. Most players didn't even wave goodbye as they sped away in their vehicles that cost more than what most of folks make in a year... But Gibbs stood out in the freezing cold thanking people, signing autographs, talking, laughing... He cares for people as a Christian and as a fellow human being. But by all accounts and everything I have ever read, he is competitive to the core and would step over all of us to win. He couldn't give a rats behind what people think if he felt it was the best decision with respect to winning.

I dont disagree with anything you said but I guess I view it slightly differently. Gibbs knows that this is his last rodeo and that the fans truly love him and trust him. He wants to win more than anyone but sometimes it is convienient to make a change that the fans love and that may help you win. I think he has this opportunity and is taking it. I dont think the fans whispering about JC made him jump up and say give them what they want but I think whenever you have a product like the redskins or any team you have to keep what the fans want in the back of your mind. GIbbs made the right decision and it doesnt matter why really but Im glad he made it.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

I think it's more probable that Gibbs was influenced by the fan base than by the front office. I voted no.

[shally]

Okay, I guess everyone now knows that Gibbs announced the Jason Campbell era begins this weekend. If you don't know, where the heck have you been. Gibbs said that this decision was hard for him because it looks as though he placing the blame of the team's problems on one person and that's not the case. He then said they hope to get answers to some questions and more production with the change. I reiterate that he said it was a hard decision for him.

Now, there are some folks out there who believe the decision wasn't Gibbs' decision alone and that he was probably influenced by the front office to make this decision. When asked, Gibbs said he makes the final decisions around here. There was one caller into a show yesterday that said he believed this was a marketing ploy by the front office to keep the fanbase interested and attending games with 3 straight home games coming up. If it wasn't announced, he felt the fans would have stayed away from those games and the front office didn't want that.

So, what do you think. Do you think this was a Gibbs only decision or do you think he was influenced (maybe coerced) by the front office.

Be warned, this poll is public.

i think gibbs is more influenced by the collective weight of the fans...

[whistleandthumb]

Gibbs always has and will always do whatever HE feels is best for the team, regardless of what anyone else wants him to do.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

i think gibbs is more influenced by the collective weight of the fans...
Great minds feel alike ;)

[smoak]

Gibbs made the right decision and it doesnt matter why really but Im glad he made it.

Couldn't agree more and I am so excited to see the kid play!

[openallnight]

Gibbs always has and will always do whatever HE feels is best for the team, regardless of what anyone else wants him to do.
Amen! Couldn't have said it better myself. Anyone that thinks differently really knows nothing about Gibbs and his philosophies.

[joethefan]

I don't think he was influenced by the FO....I say marks' lack of Production on the road against 3 division teams made it a no brainer. and a little help from Czaban....LOL

[redwolf1218]

I dont think Gibbs was influenced by the front office, but Gibbs has said many times that he listens to the input of his entire staff when he makes decisions, so i wonder if he could have been influenced by his staff, telling him "come on coach, we have to do something, we are stuck in the mud and spinning our wheels here...we need a spark, take out the minivan and put in the Hummer!"

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

front office....no. other coaches....yes. i dont think he was pressured by danny to make this move. the offense hasnt produced enough points and i even think that gibbs himself knew something had to change. his quarterback has done a great job of protecting the ball, but he also done a great job of leading an inept scoring offense. i think this move was a roundtable decision.

[redwolf1218]

front office....no. other coaches....yes. i dont think he was pressured by danny to make this move. the offense hasnt produced enough points and i even think that gibbs himself knew something had to change. his quarterback has done a great job of protecting the ball, but he also done a great job of leading an inept scoring offense. i think this move was a roundtable decision.
i agree. "influenced by staff" would be my vote.

do you think he might have been "influenced by some players" as well, maybe showing some frustration?

i would vote "influenced by staff" if given the extra choices. but with just the 2 choices, my vote is no, he was not influenced by the front office, beyond the fact that Dan and Vinnie are probably part of the round-table discussion on many issues. i'm not sure if that would apply in this case.

[smoot]

oops, clicked the wrong button.

my vote is no

[Biggie]

I'm sure Gibbs had some sort of input from the Danny. Whether that affected his decision or not, I dunno.

[WarEagle]

I'm sure Gibbs had some sort of input from the Danny. Whether that affected his decision or not, I dunno.

That's exactly what I've concluded, based on Coach's behavior at the press conference. The Wash Post described him as "pained." He seemed out of breath and straining for words. I think Danny said something, but it wasn't coercive. The wheels were already turning in Coach's head. We'll probably never know...

[MONK_in_HOF]

I think Gibbs came to this decision without even considering Snyders POV. If the moment ever comes when Snyder tries to enforce football decisions while Gibbs is at the helm it will be the moment Gibbs walks out the doors of Redskins Park forever, IMO.

[AGibbsGirl]

I agree that Gibbs listens to other sources, I just don't see him as being influenced. If so, this change takes place two weeks ago or more.

I heard Campbell say in an interview that all of the coaches made the decision, that they all were in agreement.

Hey, here's a question. I heard Jason say that he had been practicing with the starters for 3 weeks. If he were the number 3 QB....doesn't that seem a little odd?
(Sorry if this has been posted already, I haven't been able to keep up with all of the posts...I like to read them all...)
Anyway, dontcha think that old Gibbers has had this in the back of his mind for a bit then, I mean why else would Jason be practicing with the starters? He said that he appreciates not just being thrown out onto the field like some QB's are, he likes that they've allowed him to get used to the WR

[CarMike]

Gibbs is in charge. Completely his decision.

[Syllable]

I would have to say he was probably talked too by the office, but the decision was from himself. Hes a coach who wants another ring, and doesn't have time for transition seasons.

[LATrueRedskin]

I voted yes, but that was before I read the little tidbit akh posted.

I don't think Snyder flat out went to Coach and said, "play this guy now or else," but I don't think it's out of the question that he may have hinted to start him to keep the fan interest up.

[smoak]

I heard Campbell say in an interview that all of the coaches made the decision, that they all were in agreement.

Hey, here's a question. I heard Jason say that he had been practicing with the starters for 3 weeks. If he were the number 3 QB....doesn't that seem a little odd? (Sorry if this has been posted already, I haven't been able to keep up with all of the posts...I like to read them all...)
Anyway, dontcha think that old Gibbers has had this in the back of his mind for a bit then, I mean why else would Jason be practicing with the starters? He said that he appreciates not just being thrown out onto the field like some QB's are, he likes that they've allowed him to get used to the WR

I truly think that the coaching staff planned to play JC if they got to the 6th loss before getting back to .500. I don't know that for a fact, but it makes sense. I just hope JC has some early success to build his confidence level. Hopefully Saunders puts him in a position to succeed.