Everything about our team is up in the air...

[skinfan43]

...as we approach OTA's. I'm at the point where I am wondering what kind of a Skins team we will REALLY have this season...to me, EVERYTHING is COMPLETELY up in the air:
1) Offense - Will JC be the real deal? Will CP rebound from injury and form a devestating tandem w/Betts or will he be asked to be the 300+ carry/1500yd rusher again? Will the Oline suffer from the loss of Dock and another year of age on their bodies? Will Moss/Lloyd/ARE work hard enough w/Campbell during the offseason to rebound into a formidable trio?
2) Defense - What will we do in the draft? Will our offseason additions work out? Will Rogers come back improved and Springs come back at all? (and if SS does, will he be the effective GW corner we saw in the past, or will injury take him out yet again?) Will Taylor truly blossom into BOTH a vicious AND smart safety? Will Briggs be here or not? Will MW return to form from his injury plagued '06? Will Golston turn a (hopefully) aggressive offseason and admirable first year into an impact '07 campaign? Will Griffin ever be as dominant as we saw him two years ago? Will Carter build on his strong second half of '06? Will Daniels back up his newly-granted preferred workout regimen with a HEALTHY and PRODUCTIVE start to the season? Will our front four generate CONSISTENT NFL-quality pressure on the QB or CONSISTENTLY stifle the run? Will our secondary improve at all from a disastrous '06? Will GW return the Defense to top-10 status again?
3) Special Teams - Was last season just a mirage from Frost? Is Suisham for real, or do the age-old kicker woes continue for the Skins? Will Rock build on his solid KR production last season? Will ARE truly breakout for us as a PR?
4) Coaching Staff - Can Gibbs re-adjust like he did from 04-05 and right the ship? Will Saunders really show his stuff with a team who now knows his system and an offense full of...gulp...potential? Will GW's D be feared like in '05 or ridiculed like in '06? Will Danny Smith continue to refute the naysayers or crumble like they've thought he would all along? Will having a new, young linebackers coach make a difference for Rocky, our vets, and our new MLB? Will Gray/Jackson get their heads and attitudes out of their a$$es and actually COACH?

There are more things "up in the air", but there are just SO MANY right now it seems, IMO...to me, the #1 reason why I feel this is: we really don't know who JC will be for us as a QB, and following at a close #2, if our MISERABLE '06 defense can actually rebound almost 20 SPOTS back into top-10/15 status like we need them to, in order to have a legitimate chance to be a contender this season.
My Philthy Egirls friends up here in PA keep asking me what I think the Skins are going to be like this season, and all I can say is: "I TRULY HAVE NO IDEA." So much seems to have to come together in EVERY aspect of our team - The O, The D, The Coaches, Our ST's, Our Draft...everywhere...to go from 5-11 to a playoff team. I know the Saints did it last season, and I'm hoping we're that story this season.

It's just that it's ALL up in the air right now...I'm just grateful Gibbs is still standing on the sidelines;)

[shally]

even the stable teams have periods of uncertainty and turmoil in the off season

[skinfan43]

even the stable teams have periods of uncertainty and turmoil in the off season
No doubt shally, but the uncertainty and turmoil is magnified for the teams with consistent instability. We have stabilized a few areas on our team, but need to hope for much more than we've seen during Gibbs' past few seasons, even including that amazing run in '05. With SO many blatant question marks now, I can say that I haven't looked forward to a training camp and preseason like I am for this one in a LONG time. The difference needs to be present early on IMO, for this season to ground us in the right direction.

[dthoren]

and all I can say is: "I TRULY HAVE NO IDEA."

Oh man. No sleep for me tonight. :cry:

[smoak]

See I think we are very stable now.... that is not to be confused with I think we're making the right decisions or that we don't face tough questions, but I think we're stable.

Unstable teams wait two years too long to get their franchise QB. We got our and allowed him to learn for two season before he was REALLY needed.

Unstable teams have massive coaching and player turnover. We lost one coach and 1 starting player.

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

All that said, I think we have a lot of questions we need to answer but every team does. The Colts have lost a lot of players. The Bears lost Rivera and the franchise is in danger of alienating their players and coaches by being so cheap. Sure our season hinges in large part on the development of Jason Campbell, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching leadership on this team, and they've had too much past success not to pull through for us.

[The Skinsinator]

See I think we are very stable now.... that is not to be confused with I think we're making the right decisions or that we don't face tough questions, but I think we're stable.

Unstable teams wait two years too long to get their franchise QB. We got our and allowed him to learn for two season before he was REALLY needed.

Unstable teams have massive coaching and player turnover. We lost one coach and 1 starting player.

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

All that said, I think we have a lot of questions we need to answer but every team does. The Colts have lost a lot of players. The Bears lost Rivera and the franchise is in danger of alienating their players and coaches by being so cheap. Sure our season hinges in large part on the development of Jason Campbell, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching leadership on this team, and they've had too much past success not to pull through for us.This is one of the better posts I've read in awhile. Read it through and through and there is more stability than one might think. Portis' injury and the defense demise doomed us from the start. Don't freak out about the offseason until things completely come into fruition. The team played much better last season when Gibbs actually coached rather than delegated. Expect alot more of that next season.

[Sweepea436]

Personally, I am enjoying the drama they are kicking up for us here lately. Beats reading the "What color are your socks" threads...... I don't really have any idea who they are going after or why (I'll let one of the smart guys on this board explain to me after the fact why we did it!!).... but I say bring it on. Heck throw in a T.O. rumor to really get things going here. I mean.....imagine the debates going on on the Rams fan board right now.... know what I mean? **YAWN**

WHO's NEXT??? Bring in Brock Lesnar!!!

[bergiemoore]

See I think we are very stable now.... that is not to be confused with I think we're making the right decisions or that we don't face tough questions, but I think we're stable.

Unstable teams wait two years too long to get their franchise QB. We got our and allowed him to learn for two season before he was REALLY needed.

Unstable teams have massive coaching and player turnover. We lost one coach and 1 starting player.

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

All that said, I think we have a lot of questions we need to answer but every team does. The Colts have lost a lot of players. The Bears lost Rivera and the franchise is in danger of alienating their players and coaches by being so cheap. Sure our season hinges in large part on the development of Jason Campbell, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching leadership on this team, and they've had too much past success not to pull through for us.


Great post. Kind of calms things down a little.

I think people need to recognize that this is the first time under Danny the Skins have had the same HC for more than 2 years.

I think that Saunders' system will take root this year, and JC will excel.

I'm hopeful that last year was an aberration for GW, and not the norm. This year, I look to see the majority of the problems that plagued our defense last year resolved (no depth at corner, terrible pass rush, sloppy LB tackling, lack of leadership on the field, and the injury bug from hell).

Everything is up in the air every year, if you want to set the bar for being "up in the air" this low. We're not changing any schemes. We haven't, as of yet, pulled the trigger on any insane, unneccessary, FA signings. There is stated intentions by our HC to keep the remainder of our 08 picks in tact. Things ain't that bad. If you're freaked out by all the rumor and speculation, then that's another thing entirely. I'll wait for something to actually happen.

[skinfan43]

Good comments guys, and just know that I didn't create this thread because I am freaked out at all. The NUMBER of real question marks about this upcoming season are many IMO, considering we are looking to go from dead last to the playoffs. I truly don't think anyone here is just wanting the Skins to have a "buliding" year this season, right? (like, say, the Bills last season, who did better but still fell short of the playoffs at somewhere around 8-8) To get back to the PLAYOFFS will take a whole lot more from this team and staff, especially when camp starts IMO.
Smoak, as I said in my post, we HAVE created stability in some areas, but teams like Indy that lost significant players have also enjoyed significant success, unlike the Skins, who have not in 13 of the past 15 years. Plus, THIS is the season where we actually SEE if we have a franchise QB or more questionable drafting. Campbell hasn't yet established that, and although we can't wait for him to prove himself, we don't know if he will until the games begin. Makes camp and preseason far more important than ones where you are going in with a proven veteran QB at the helm. Campbell has all of seven NFL games under his belt and is our one chance to get this offense elevated for the remainder of Gibbs tenure.
Now THAT is what I'd call "up in the air".
Not "freaking out", just "up in the air". And on the other side of the ball, it's the same way. Let's not fool ourselves into thinking we're quite stable just yet...that would be complacency at its finest. I'm personally looking for a FAR more focused and disciplined camp and preseason by the players AND the staff.
THAT is what will give us either positive or negative answers come September, IMHO.

[openallnight]

You raise some interesting points SF43 but, if you delve further into the question marks I think you'll find alot less things up in the air than it seems.

1) Offense - Having seen JC last year. We know JC can play in this league. Before last year we really had no idea. He will be playing w/ the same entire starting unit as last year, sans Dock. Last year we had a new OC w/ an entirely new scheme, 2 new WRs and players such as Cooley and Sellars playing in completely new roles. Most importantly we had no identity. Were we a long ball team w/ speedy wideouts? a finesse team that relied upon a healthy dose of misdirection? a power running team w/ powerful drive blockers? Towards the end of last season our offensive identity became apparent. So, IMO there are alot less questions on the offensive side of the ball . Still I think depth on the oLine is a big concern as it's been over the past several years.

2) Defense - Last year we acquired a new starting Safety, DE, NB and returned a known liability (WLB) to a starting role. If you look back that's alot of change. So, we really had alot of unknowns going into last season. Although, myself and many others really thought the new parts would thrive and the D would continue to build upon it's strong finish of '05. This year the defensive changes are even more pronounced. We will have a new SS, MLB, WLB, NB and possibly (CB, DE and DT). Injuries and age really seemed to reflect themselves on our defensive performance. Can Griff, MW, SS and JS bounce back to '05 form. Obviously, I don't think any of us can really predict with a high confidence how this defense will fair. So, yea there is definately alot up in the air from a defensive perspective.

3) ST - Last year we again had alot of ? marks at with Hall and Frost and 2 new Return guys. I think it's fair to say that "Shanks" Frost was arguably our nicest surprise. Gone is the lame-legged Hall. So, this season marks the 1st time in awhile where it appears we have a solid group of starting teamers in Suisham, Frost, ARE and Rock.

4) Coaching Staff - Apparently the defensive addition of Gray appeared to be more of a hindrance than a benefit last season. And obviously the Al Saunders transplanted scheme set us back more than most of us could have imagined. But this years only real shake up is w/ a replacement at the LB position. Obviously, this years coaching staff brings alot less questions than last years.

Of course every team and every season brings it's own uniqueness. But, from a historical perspective based upon percentage of change. This season brings less question marks on offense, special teams and coaching than previous season. But more question marks on defense.

As always injuries will go along way in determining our final position. Unfortunately, our lack of depth seems to make us more susceptible to overcome these things than some other teams out there. But, in response to your Philly friends (isn't that an oxymoron) you could give the canned answer I always give. We will have a perfect record and win the SB :) No matter what the ? marks are I always like to think we will have the right answers :)

[bwparker]

openallnight - what position is NB? You refer to it several times on defense.

[James F. Quinn]

Knickel Back, of course:)

[openallnight]

Knickel Back, of course:)
Exactly! sans the "K" :)

[Return of 202/301]

...as we approach OTA's. I'm at the point where I am wondering what kind of a Skins team we will REALLY have this season...to me, EVERYTHING is COMPLETELY up in the air:
1) Offense - Will JC be the real deal? Will CP rebound from injury and form a devestating tandem w/Betts or will he be asked to be the 300+ carry/1500yd rusher again? Will the Oline suffer from the loss of Dock and another year of age on their bodies? Will Moss/Lloyd/ARE work hard enough w/Campbell during the offseason to rebound into a formidable trio?
2) Defense - What will we do in the draft? Will our offseason additions work out? Will Rogers come back improved and Springs come back at all? (and if SS does, will he be the effective GW corner we saw in the past, or will injury take him out yet again?) Will Taylor truly blossom into BOTH a vicious AND smart safety? Will Briggs be here or not? Will MW return to form from his injury plagued '06? Will Golston turn a (hopefully) aggressive offseason and admirable first year into an impact '07 campaign? Will Griffin ever be as dominant as we saw him two years ago? Will Carter build on his strong second half of '06? Will Daniels back up his newly-granted preferred workout regimen with a HEALTHY and PRODUCTIVE start to the season? Will our front four generate CONSISTENT NFL-quality pressure on the QB or CONSISTENTLY stifle the run? Will our secondary improve at all from a disastrous '06? Will GW return the Defense to top-10 status again?
3) Special Teams - Was last season just a mirage from Frost? Is Suisham for real, or do the age-old kicker woes continue for the Skins? Will Rock build on his solid KR production last season? Will ARE truly breakout for us as a PR?
4) Coaching Staff - Can Gibbs re-adjust like he did from 04-05 and right the ship? Will Saunders really show his stuff with a team who now knows his system and an offense full of...gulp...potential? Will GW's D be feared like in '05 or ridiculed like in '06? Will Danny Smith continue to refute the naysayers or crumble like they've thought he would all along? Will having a new, young linebackers coach make a difference for Rocky, our vets, and our new MLB? Will Gray/Jackson get their heads and attitudes out of their a$$es and actually COACH?

There are more things "up in the air", but there are just SO MANY right now it seems, IMO...to me, the #1 reason why I feel this is: we really don't know who JC will be for us as a QB, and following at a close #2, if our MISERABLE '06 defense can actually rebound almost 20 SPOTS back into top-10/15 status like we need them to, in order to have a legitimate chance to be a contender this season.
My Philthy Egirls friends up here in PA keep asking me what I think the Skins are going to be like this season, and all I can say is: "I TRULY HAVE NO IDEA." So much seems to have to come together in EVERY aspect of our team - The O, The D, The Coaches, Our ST's, Our Draft...everywhere...to go from 5-11 to a playoff team. I know the Saints did it last season, and I'm hoping we're that story this season.

It's just that it's ALL up in the air right now...I'm just grateful Gibbs is still standing on the sidelines;)

I think that this off season has been very stressful for Skins fans with so 'few' signings and so 'many' smokescreens. We made our key signings didn't spend too much money and good rid of Arch. With a good draft we will have a great team.

[Red Bear]

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

anyone who would quit being a redskins fan wasnt a true redskins fan to begin with. stuff like that makes me sick when people say that. i actually agree the fans are pretty unstable, especially when theyre making comments like "im going to quit being a redskins fan". bottom line is we can sit here and make up this scenarios and possibilities and say what we think is best for the team, but we have no say so in what actually happens. the team is going to do what they want if its possible, and the best we can do is support our team and players and hope for them to succeed. im not gonna root against any redskin just because i didnt want him on the team, even if its a horrible player, im still gonna hope for him to do well while he is on the field. you know, the one redskins game i ever been to was the carolina game last year and the first half wasnt even that enjoyable because the one guy sitting next to me came it seems like for the sole reason to cuss out gibbs after EVERY play. i was so glad he didnt return for the second half. i can understand bitterness and frustration, but this guy had problems. the second half some other people were there and apparently to have fun and cheer the team on and encourage others to cheer, thats when i really started enjoying the experience.

[redskin_rich]

See I think we are very stable now.... that is not to be confused with I think we're making the right decisions or that we don't face tough questions, but I think we're stable.

Unstable teams wait two years too long to get their franchise QB. We got our and allowed him to learn for two season before he was REALLY needed.

Unstable teams have massive coaching and player turnover. We lost one coach and 1 starting player.

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

All that said, I think we have a lot of questions we need to answer but every team does. The Colts have lost a lot of players. The Bears lost Rivera and the franchise is in danger of alienating their players and coaches by being so cheap. Sure our season hinges in large part on the development of Jason Campbell, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching leadership on this team, and they've had too much past success not to pull through for us.
I don't know Smoak. In '04, we started the year with Brunell at QB and ended with Ramsey. In '05, we started with Ramsey and quickly went back to and ended with Brunell. In '06, we started with Brunell and finished with Campbell.

Nothing about that says 'stability' to me. We have also tweaked or changed our offense every year since Gibbs has been here. During this time, our defense has gone from very good, to good, to abysmal.
Now, for the first time, we should have some continuity with our offense but the defense has to be tweaked and get some fresh bodies. Hopefully, that will be a quick fix or we are looking at another mediocre at best season.

[smoak]

Good comments guys, and just know that I didn't create this thread because I am freaked out at all. The NUMBER of real question marks about this upcoming season are many IMO, considering we are looking to go from dead last to the playoffs. I truly don't think anyone here is just wanting the Skins to have a "buliding" year this season, right? (like, say, the Bills last season, who did better but still fell short of the playoffs at somewhere around 8-8) To get back to the PLAYOFFS will take a whole lot more from this team and staff, especially when camp starts IMO.
Agreed. Just like it always takes a "whole lot" to make the playoffs (unless you play in the NFC North). It took a "whole lot" fopr the Colts to win the Super Bowl and get over that seemingly impossible hump. It also took a "whole lot" for us to miss the playoffs last season (although we made it look easy). It took a bad mix of injuries, ineffectyiveness (guys like Holdman and Arch), uncertainty from a new offense system... It isn't like we were a bad team. We were a good team who underachieved and didn't play well in important games.

Smoak, as I said in my post, we HAVE created stability in some areas, but teams like Indy that lost significant players have also enjoyed significant success, unlike the Skins, who have not in 13 of the past 15 years.
The current Gibbs regime has nothing to do with the Turner/Robiskie/Spurrier era and shouldn't be lumped in with it. In fact, I was really impressed that Gibbs was able to make the playoffs in Year 2 given how pathetic I felt the roster was. He and the coaching staff underachieved last year, but we have every reason to believe they will rebound. The coaching staff is easily one of the best in the NFL (one year doesn't change that) and they will have a lot to prove.

Plus, THIS is the season where we actually SEE if we have a franchise QB or more questionable drafting. Campbell hasn't yet established that, and although we can't wait for him to prove himself, we don't know if he will until the games begin. Makes camp and preseason far more important than ones where you are going in with a proven veteran QB at the helm. Campbell has all of seven NFL games under his belt and is our one chance to get this offense elevated for the remainder of Gibbs tenure.
More than likely, we will know nothing about the '07 draft until 2009.

Absolutely correct. Our prospects on a good season hinge greatly on the development andhealth of Jason Campbell. Don't you think the Bears fans are thinking the same thing now that they've traded away their #1 RB and not replaced Grossman? Can a defense (possibly minus Briggs) still carry one of the lamest offense in the league? There are a handful of teams that have a slam dunk "can't miss" QB at the position and that is it.

But I do agree that a young QB creates an addition level of uncertainty. I find it fun thoguh... I'm enjoying the opportunity to see a young QB come up through our ranks rather than put a bandaid with a old vet (apologies to Brunell). I was SICK the year we lost Trent Green b/c there was no ownership in place.

Now THAT is what I'd call "up in the air".
Not "freaking out", just "up in the air". And on the other side of the ball, it's the same way. Let's not fool ourselves into thinking we're quite stable just yet...that would be complacency at its finest.
Given that the only "constant" in the NFL is "constant chage", I think we are just about as stable as any franchise with a head coach of three years. It takes time and hopefully Gibbs stays through his contract and the next coach comes from within. I think you are confusing stability with having what I hope was a "bad year". We did take on a new OC, but that was truly done with the goal of long term stability in mind. We've fired one coach in three years. How many new starters have we needed to plug in over the past few offseasons? Off the top of my head, FOUR!!!?? -- Carter, Arch, <<Dock's replacement>>, Lloyd... We replaced other positions based on injury, but that is a fact of life in the NFL. Please tell me how we could improve on "stability".

I'm personally looking for a FAR more focused and disciplined camp and preseason by the players AND the staff.
THAT is what will give us either positive or negative answers come September, IMHO.

You'll get no argument here. I'm just saying that we are relatively stable dispite the misconception that this franchise repalces everyone each offseason. We have the foundation in place to be successful, but it takes the dedication from the players (I'm worried about this offsite workout program) and coaching staff. Specifically I expect the offense to improve with more time working with Saunders and Campbell and the defense DEFINITELTY need to get better...

But if it doesn't, I can't blame the lack of stability but rather more likely the poor acquisition of players.

[akhhorus]

I don't know Smoak. In '04, we started the year with Brunell at QB and ended with Ramsey. In '05, we started with Ramsey and quickly went back to and ended with Brunell. In '06, we started with Brunell and finished with Campbell.

The only problem with this example is that it was injuries, and not exclusively play that dictated the change in 04 and 05. Brunell played like crap in 04, but its widely believed that it was because he wasn't recovered from his elbow surgery compounded by a bad hamstring injury which killed his power. Ramsey looked like crap in the 05 preseason(and in the 3 drives he played against Chicago), but it was his injury that provoked the change(Thank you Briggs). Brunell reverted to his 04 form(with hints of another arm injury) and this was the only time that we can say for sure that Gibbs made a change strictly on play.

[smoak]

I don't know Smoak. In '04, we started the year with Brunell at QB and ended with Ramsey. In '05, we started with Ramsey and quickly went back to and ended with Brunell. In '06, we started with Brunell and finished with Campbell.

Nothing about that says 'stability' to me. We have also tweaked or changed our offense every year since Gibbs has been here. During this time, our defense has gone from very good, to good, to abysmal.
Now, for the first time, we should have some continuity with our offense but the defense has to be tweaked and get some fresh bodies. Hopefully, that will be a quick fix or we are looking at another mediocre at best season.

Brunell started approximately 70% of our games in his three years and all but 1 when we were in realistic contention for a playoff spot. Sorry, but I don't buy your argument. Campbell was drafted TWO years before we envisioned him as being a starter. That is the definition of stability at the QB position. If Campbell sucks and we tank it will be b/c we didn't get the RIGHT player(s) and not b/c we were any more or less stable than any other franchise.

Name the QBs who can be realisticly counted on to start EVERY game (based on their track records) and lead their teams to the playoffs?

Manning
Brady
Hasselbach
Palmer
Manning - You could argue Eli, but he is wretched at times
McNabb? - He isn't healthy consistently.
Favre? - The talent around him hasn't been good

The rest are either young, inconsistent, or injured (mayeb I missed a couple). But my point is that MOST teams have question mark that need answering. Most teams have guys they need to step up and play well. But if they don't, I am not ready to scream "we lack stability" as the excuse. The excuse will be "we weren't good enough and didn't do what we needed to do".

[redskin_rich]

The rest are either young, inconsistent, or injured (mayeb I missed a couple). But my point is that MOST teams have question mark that need answering. Most teams have guys they need to step up and play well. But if they don't, I am not ready to scream "we lack stability" as the excuse. The excuse will be "we weren't good enough and didn't do what we needed to do".
The QB thing was just one example.
To me, stability is forming a plan and sticking with it for a few years. That isn't what the Skins have done. It seems every year, there is a new plan. And constantly throwing away draft picks for expensive veterans is starting to take it's toll on the depth and development of players here. We have the most expensive coaching staff in the league, why can't they draft and teach more young players, instead of always looking for the expensive free agents to plug in?
I'm not against using free agency to acquire a piece here and there but using to build a team is foolish and not a stable way of managing a team.

[shally]

The QB thing was just one example.
To me, stability is forming a plan and sticking with it for a few years. That isn't what the Skins have done. It seems every year, there is a new plan. And constantly throwing away draft picks for expensive veterans is starting to take it's toll on the depth and development of players here. We have the most expensive coaching staff in the league, why can't they draft and teach more young players, instead of always looking for the expensive free agents to plug in?
I'm not against using free agency to acquire a piece here and there but using to build a team is foolish and not a stable way of managing a team.

both denver and the pats have added a lot of free agents and they have been pretty consistent over the last 5-7 years

i think the main difference between those 2 is the qb.. put brady on the broncs and plummer on the pats and i bet the records are largely reversed

[smoak]

The QB thing was just one example.
To me, stability is forming a plan and sticking with it for a few years. That isn't what the Skins have done. It seems every year, there is a new plan. And constantly throwing away draft picks for expensive veterans is starting to take it's toll on the depth and development of players here. We have the most expensive coaching staff in the league, why can't they draft and teach more young players, instead of always looking for the expensive free agents to plug in?
I'm not against using free agency to acquire a piece here and there but using to build a team is foolish and not a stable way of managing a team.

Honestly, I think leaning towards veterans over draft picks WAS the plan and we are now seeing it doesn't work. That doesn't mean we were unstable.... just wrong. Plus, I really believe that Gibbs and the coaching staff felt '06 was a Super Bowl team and they sacrificed the '07 draft to get the very few pieces that we needed. Had we won the division or even a game as a wildcard, I don't think people would complain.... It is the losing that I believe causes the frustration, uncertainty, anxiety, etc.

But I am not arguing that we have done everything the right way or that we haven't made mistake. I just think we've been relatively stable since Gibbs' arrival. If we lose this season, then we have the tough decision of "is it time for change". I think it depends on how you lose... The defense simply can NOT be that bad again or we're doomed no matter what Gibbs does.

[smoak]

both denver and the pats have added a lot of free agents and they have been pretty consistent over the last 5-7 years

i think the main difference between those 2 is the qb.. put brady on the broncs and plummer on the pats and i bet the records are largely reversed

Most likely, but the Pats have had much better defense as well. Plus, I am not a big fan of Shanny.

[skinfan43]

Honestly, I think leaning towards veterans over draft picks WAS the plan and we are now seeing it doesn't work. That doesn't mean we were unstable.... just wrong. Plus, I really believe that Gibbs and the coaching staff felt '06 was a Super Bowl team and they sacrificed the '07 draft to get the very few pieces that we needed. Had we won the division or even a game as a wildcard, I don't think people would complain.... It is the losing that I believe causes the frustration, uncertainty, anxiety, etc.

But I am not arguing that we have done everything the right way or that we haven't made mistake. I just think we've been relatively stable since Gibbs' arrival. If we lose this season, then we have the tough decision of "is it time for change". I think it depends on how you lose... The defense simply can NOT be that bad again or we're doomed no matter what Gibbs does.
Maybe personnel-wise, but certainly not with our systems. How about getting a new OC, who would be replacing the effective system (remember that road to/through the playoffs?) from the previous year, who could very well be gone after '07?
Now I SINCERELY hope Saunders' system rocks the league this season, but it brought tremendous instability to our offense last year, simply because of the learning curve. We'll never know if it would have been better to just keep Gibbs' system in place, but that is also a moot point considering how inept our defense was.
Plus, GW's system, his COACHING, looked way less stable than previous years...is that ALL on the players?? I mean, c'mon, it simply can't be, at least IMO.
I truly agree with your take on being excited about having a young QB taking the helm, I certainly am too:) That said, I can't say I am anything but wondering what to expect come opening day. Not confident, not freaked-out or pessimistic (you know that's not me!)...just really wondering.

[urobm]

Most teams do deal similar with problems like this in the offseason, but its the way you handle the problems, which will ultimately decide what direction you are going in. As far as JC goes, he is our man and thats just not based on how much we gave up to get him, simply the promise and progression that he showed when he finally got a chance to get in there.

CP and Betts will be an awesome tandem, and the OL even with the loss of Dock will perform up to standard. I think we can always count on Moss and Cooley barring injury and even though ARE had a down year as a reciever he is a great talent in the slot. LLoyd on the other hand is the true question mark. Was last year a down year? Will he show us the true Brandon this year? Should he have been shopped around or cut? I think that he can rebound especially with a full year with Campbell, but the guy has to grow up.

The defense on the other hand is another story. The DL is just terrible. Actually let me not say that, Carter finally gave us what we were looking for in the last 5 games and I am looking for a huge year from him. Griff is still a serviceable DT who can dominate when healthy but that has been a problem for him lately, and Golston gave us much more than we expected. Hopefully he can build on that this year. The other DE spot is just horrible. There should be no way we should go into the season opener with Wynn or Daniels starting, both are reserves at this point in their career, and the pressure from the outside was nonexistent last year. This has to be addressed. The LB's should be solid WITHOUT BRIGGS. With London now manning the middle we shouldnt get pounded by RBs going for career highs every week like it was last year. Washington, who I hope is healthy this year is a force, and Mcintosh who we paid a kings ransom for, showed great promise in the last couple of games for the season. I see him being a very good player for us. The secondary struggled primarily because they had to cover the receivers for long periods of times because of lack of pass rush. Springs when healthy is one of the best, Carlos is very physical and should rebound from last year's performance. Smoot has always been a favorite of mine and now that he is home he will perform. AA was a terrible signing from the get go and ST should be a pro bowler every year. His problem is that he may be a little too physical for his own good and also with the struggles of the defense has a whole he forgot how to cover. He will be great though.

With the #6 pick in draft we are sitting pretty. Bringing in Briggs will be a big mistake based on the fact that we have needs at SS, DE,DT,CB. That #6 could address possibly 3 of these needs. We could move down multiple times in this draft and still obtain good quality players. I wouldnt be against trading out of the first round at all. I can see a player like Jarvis Moss available late in the first, and guys like Quentin Moses, Brandon Merriwether, and Justin Harrell available in the 2nd. I can also see guys like Pittock, Kareem Brown and Dameiyon Hughes available in the 3rd. So there are allot of options, lets just hope that or FO makes the right decisions.

[shally]

Honestly, I think leaning towards veterans over draft picks WAS the plan and we are now seeing it doesn't work. That doesn't mean we were unstable.... just wrong. Plus, I really believe that Gibbs and the coaching staff felt '06 was a Super Bowl team and they sacrificed the '07 draft to get the very few pieces that we needed. Had we won the division or even a game as a wildcard, I don't think people would complain.... It is the losing that I believe causes the frustration, uncertainty, anxiety, etc.

But I am not arguing that we have done everything the right way or that we haven't made mistake. I just think we've been relatively stable since Gibbs' arrival. If we lose this season, then we have the tough decision of "is it time for change". I think it depends on how you lose... The defense simply can NOT be that bad again or we're doomed no matter what Gibbs does.

you are 100 % right about the outlook for the 2006 team.. i bet that gibbs has never felt he was more off, or perhaps more unlucky, than he was with the 2006 team

everything that was done last offseason could be taken in the context of being the final pieces to get the team over the final hurdle.. obviously it wasnt even close to that. in retrospect, the 2005 team probably overachived and was darn lucky as well. plus, guys like daniels had career years packed into the final 1/3 of the season.

is this off season being viewed differently ? maybe.. i still think that gibbs believes the team is better than it's record last year. i had tought, and posted, that maybe gibbs was loading up for one final ride this year.. maybe so... or maybe it is just a shift in the way business is being conducted.

let's see what happens with the draft and with briggs.

[shally]

Most likely, but the Pats have had much better defense as well. Plus, I am not a big fan of Shanny.

and maybe crennel was better than the broncs DC as well

still, for all the talk of draft philosophies, the pats have added a lot of key players through free agency. just goes to show how having a HOF qb can make any system look good... if JC turns out to be the real deal, all of a sudden even vinnie is going to look smarter

[shally]

Most teams do deal similar with problems like this in the offseason, but its the way you handle the problems, which will ultimately decide what direction you are going in. As far as JC goes, he is our man and thats just not based on how much we gave up to get him, simply the promise and progression that he showed when he finally got a chance to get in there.

CP and Betts will be an awesome tandem, and the OL even with the loss of Dock will perform up to standard. I think we can always count on Moss and Cooley barring injury and even though ARE had a down year as a reciever he is a great talent in the slot. LLoyd on the other hand is the true question mark. Was last year a down year? Will he show us the true Brandon this year? Should he have been shopped around or cut? I think that he can rebound especially with a full year with Campbell, but the guy has to grow up.

The defense on the other hand is another story. The DL is just terrible. Actually let me not say that, Carter finally gave us what we were looking for in the last 5 games and I am looking for a huge year from him. Griff is still a serviceable DT who can dominate when healthy but that has been a problem for him lately, and Golston gave us much more than we expected. Hopefully he can build on that this year. The other DE spot is just horrible. There should be no way we should go into the season opener with Wynn or Daniels starting, both are reserves at this point in their career, and the pressure from the outside was nonexistent last year. This has to be addressed. The LB's should be solid WITHOUT BRIGGS. With London now manning the middle we shouldnt get pounded by RBs going for career highs every week like it was last year. Washington, who I hope is healthy this year is a force, and Mcintosh who we paid a kings ransom for, showed great promise in the last couple of games for the season. I see him being a very good player for us. The secondary struggled primarily because they had to cover the receivers for long periods of times because of lack of pass rush. Springs when healthy is one of the best, Carlos is very physical and should rebound from last year's performance. Smoot has always been a favorite of mine and now that he is home he will perform. AA was a terrible signing from the get go and ST should be a pro bowler every year. His problem is that he may be a little too physical for his own good and also with the struggles of the defense has a whole he forgot how to cover. He will be great though.

With the #6 pick in draft we are sitting pretty. Bringing in Briggs will be a big mistake based on the fact that we have needs at SS, DE,DT,CB. That #6 could address possibly 3 of these needs. We could move down multiple times in this draft and still obtain good quality players. I wouldnt be against trading out of the first round at all. I can see a player like Jarvis Moss available late in the first, and guys like Quentin Moses, Brandon Merriwether, and Justin Harrell available in the 2nd. I can also see guys like Pittock, Kareem Brown and Dameiyon Hughes available in the 3rd. So there are allot of options, lets just hope that or FO makes the right decisions.

that #6 pick will address 3 issues ONLY if we can trade down, and if we can hit on those gained picks. no sure thing

[urobm]

that #6 pick will address 3 issues ONLY if we can trade down, and if we can hit on those gained picks. no sure thing


Oh ofcourse, I agree with 100%, at the same time there are no sure things in the draft, Im sure we both have seen that. The problem is that with holes that we have on defense getting a (possible stud) on the DL wont address all 3 needs. Even though Adams, Okoye, Branch or Anderson, would be the attractive pick we simply have to trade down.

[skins111111]

if the O-Line plays tough (FO thinks Wade can fill in for Dockery) JC will excell. We are set at RB, CP and Betts are a great tandem, Sellars is a beast at FB and we always have Rock to add debth, we have one of the best slots/TE in the league with Cooley. Moss is a top WR and El is stepping up and we have decent debth both youth and veterans. On D our S position looks good with Prioleau comming back to compliment out Stud JT (upgrade at CB will help them out in pass coverage)and at CB we now have 3 studs for a change so when healthy we have an awsome nickle package. With Fletcher, Washington and Rocky at LB and Marshall a very versital and quality backup we seem good to go. We snag Gaines Adams in the draft and our D-Line will look fine, Carter is continously getting better and Daniels is getting healthy. Griff is a stud,
Golston is really developing and Big Joe can fill in real nice when healthy, not to mention that our upgrade at DE will cut them some slack or vice versa if we have to take Alan Branch instead of Adams. So I be thinkin we're looking like 13-3:)

[MikeBass]

See I think we are very stable now.... that is not to be confused with I think we're making the right decisions or that we don't face tough questions, but I think we're stable.

Unstable teams wait two years too long to get their franchise QB. We got our and allowed him to learn for two season before he was REALLY needed.

Unstable teams have massive coaching and player turnover. We lost one coach and 1 starting player.

Actually, I really believe that the fans are the least stable part of our franchise is the fanbase. Look how we reacted at the various rumors that are being thrown out.... Some folks even said they would quit being Redskins fans if we do X or Y.

All that said, I think we have a lot of questions we need to answer but every team does. The Colts have lost a lot of players. The Bears lost Rivera and the franchise is in danger of alienating their players and coaches by being so cheap. Sure our season hinges in large part on the development of Jason Campbell, but I have a lot of faith in the coaching leadership on this team, and they've had too much past success not to pull through for us.

EXACTLY!!!

I think that our coaches know where they are going with this team. The fans are a little confused because they are looking at a 5-11 team who did not make a lot of changes during the off season.

I think that the Briggs deal will get done and we will get a receiver with the 31st pick and our team will be real good this coming season.

Sometimes less means more.

[RicFlairOne]

This is one of the better posts I've read in awhile. Read it through and through and there is more stability than one might think. Portis' injury and the defense demise doomed us from the start. Don't freak out about the offseason until things completely come into fruition. The team played much better last season when Gibbs actually coached rather than delegated. Expect alot more of that next season.

Was just reading these posts so this may have already been addressed, but I agree with this and the prior posts. If JC can continue his progress from last year into TC and pre-season, I think that he can be the real deal. He definitely has the tools and the work ethic, and apparently he and AL are glued at the hip this off season. Last year the pre season was the tell all, and we all should have known once Portis got hurt in Cincy that it would be a long year!

[smoak]

you are 100 % right about the outlook for the 2006 team.. i bet that gibbs has never felt he was more off, or perhaps more unlucky, than he was with the 2006 team

everything that was done last offseason could be taken in the context of being the final pieces to get the team over the final hurdle.. obviously it wasnt even close to that. in retrospect, the 2005 team probably overachived and was darn lucky as well. plus, guys like daniels had career years packed into the final 1/3 of the season.

is this off season being viewed differently ? maybe.. i still think that gibbs believes the team is better than it's record last year. i had tought, and posted, that maybe gibbs was loading up for one final ride this year.. maybe so... or maybe it is just a shift in the way business is being conducted.

let's see what happens with the draft and with briggs.

Lucky??? C'mon shally... The '05 team fought for every yard and earned every win. If anything, with a little luck we SHOULD have won the division... But that is neither here nor there. The point is that the had some success that we deserved and it was a fun team to watch. Did some players individually overachive? Sure, but look at all good teams and you'll be able to point out guys who have career years or unknowns who have big games. Look at the Saints this past season.... Who would have thoguht they'd get contributions from a seventh round WR? Look at the Chargers this past season.... Who would have thought their second round T would make the Pro Bowl. It happens on every good team. In '05, Moss and Cooley had career years as well (actually, hopefully they had average years :D)

EXACTLY!!!

I think that our coaches know where they are going with this team. The fans are a little confused because they are looking at a 5-11 team who did not make a lot of changes during the off season.

I think that the Briggs deal will get done and we will get a receiver with the 31st pick and our team will be real good this coming season.

Sometimes less means more.

Don't get me wrong though. I am not one of those who says "we're winning the Super Bowl" every season. I just don't believe in being doom and gloom chicken little b/c we hit a little adversity. Yes, we've been a bad franchise for awhile, but each coaching regime must be judged individually and this one has done a good job... Gibbs has made mistakes, but he has also stocked the team with stars, retained some key players, obtained what he believes is the "QB of the future", and put un in a position to win football games. Now we need to do that on a more consistent basis and avoid the "streakiness" that this team shows.

[smoak]

Maybe personnel-wise, but certainly not with our systems. How about getting a new OC, who would be replacing the effective system (remember that road to/through the playoffs?) from the previous year, who could very well be gone after '07?

Saunders was brought in with a goal towards long term stability. Despite success, Gibbs new his offense needed some "seasoning" and Saunders is from the same coaching tree. Now I am not going to say there wasn't an adjustment period (which I kept telling everyone to expect), but I am going to say that I would better dollars to donuts that Gibbs and the coaching staff didn't expect that defense to choke the way they did. Although I talked about some of the problems with the '05 D, down the stretch they came together and seemed to "have it". We replaced only two starters and only lost one to free agency. I promise you the thought was that the D could carry the team until the offense got their legs... Well the offense did come around (to a degree) under Campbell, but the D never really showed even a shadow of their former selves. Blame Gibbs or Saunders all you want, but the fact that Gibbs was able to check his ego and bring in an offensive guru was my FAVORITE part of the 2006 offseason. It is still a great move in my mind and I am looking forward to seeing if Campbell can progress in this complicated offense.

Now I SINCERELY hope Saunders' system rocks the league this season, but it brought tremendous instability to our offense last year, simply because of the learning curve. We'll never know if it would have been better to just keep Gibbs' system in place, but that is also a moot point considering how inept our defense was.
I just talked to this, but to say that Saunders brough "tremendous instability" is a "chicken little" comment. The problem is you had people predicting 2000 yard for Portis or Moss... 100 catches for Cooley... The amzing impact of Brandon Lloyd... The bootm line is that people didn't see that there would be an adjustment. Then because we didn't win football games (mostly b/c of the defense) there was the adjustment to Campbell. I will agree that the coaching staff and players are partly to blame for the unrealistic expectations b/c of comments made to the media... But people were not realistic at all. I remember back when I was writing the game snippets how people told me I was crazy and we'd beat Minnesota by 25 point. Well in the NFL you don't win games that way... The Texans swept the Jags this year and beat the Colts. You have to show up week in and week out and hopefully '06 was a motivation rather than a deflation of our beloved team.

We'll see soon enough.

Plus, GW's system, his COACHING, looked way less stable than previous years...is that ALL on the players?? I mean, c'mon, it simply can't be, at least IMO.
I truly agree with your take on being excited about having a young QB taking the helm, I certainly am too:) That said, I can't say I am anything but wondering what to expect come opening day. Not confident, not freaked-out or pessimistic (you know that's not me!)...just really wondering.

I'm right there with you on the wondering, but I am not ready to scrap every thing and run around yelling "THE SKY IS FALLING".

Yes, GW had a down year and earned our concern... But until I see it, I refuse to believe that a man who had the following track record will fail again this year:

2005 - 9th ranked D
2004 - 3rd ranked D
2003 - 2nd ranked D
2002 - 15th ranked D
2001 - 21st ranked D
2000 - 2nd ranked D
1999 - 18th ranked D
1998 - 14th ranked D
1997 - 22nd ranked D


We're talking about a man whose defenses shut down teams like the Rams in the Super Bowl... Is he perfect? Heck no! I would put more weight for the '06 season on his shoulders (and Gibbs as the head coach) than anyone else... But I am sure as hell glad he is here and I feel that with GW we have a chance to roll out a dominating D. The key is we need to stop the run first and foremost. I understand the people that want us to rush the passer with a shiny new DE (and I agree), but the main difference in '06 is that people bent our team over and rammed it down our throats. Its one thing to lose on a deep bomb or a to a great QB like Manning... But the way that time after time we looked like excrement trying to stop even just "good" or "average" runninng backs was sickening. Stopping the run is a physical mentality and we need to draft with that in mind.... Take a DE, LB, CB, S or whatever, but for gods sake get someone with a nasty streak who is smart (no, not "super smart") and wants to knock the snot out of someone.


But all in all, while we have to answer some important questions and I wouldn't say I feel great about 2007 right now... I do feel great about the oppotunity we have and the people who are in place to attempt the impossible. Hopefully we are all happy with the results b/c the only way Skins fans will be happy is with a Super Bowl.

[Death_Venom]

My Question is WHO hit the panic button????

I mean really! The way I view this off-season is that we are FINALLY moving in the right direction............By that I mean we are not mortgaging the house to pick up a few big name players. And I am quite happy that we have re-signed a few key players. I think we should DEFINETLY not draft down.........I feel that we could acquire a very good LB with our current position and thin we are "ok" in the CB area............

As far as the concerns that I have heard about team stability I think we are just fine that category-...........Actually as someone mentioned earlier in this thread this is the FIRST ERA of stability that I can remember since Spurrier left...........

People don't panic..........The Skins are fine and will be a much more imporved team this season...........

[skinfan43]

Saunders was brought in with a goal towards long term stability. Despite success, Gibbs new his offense needed some "seasoning" and Saunders is from the same coaching tree. Now I am not going to say there wasn't an adjustment period (which I kept telling everyone to expect), but I am going to say that I would better dollars to donuts that Gibbs and the coaching staff didn't expect that defense to choke the way they did. Although I talked about some of the problems with the '05 D, down the stretch they came together and seemed to "have it". We replaced only two starters and only lost one to free agency. I promise you the thought was that the D could carry the team until the offense got their legs... Well the offense did come around (to a degree) under Campbell, but the D never really showed even a shadow of their former selves. Blame Gibbs or Saunders all you want, but the fact that Gibbs was able to check his ego and bring in an offensive guru was my FAVORITE part of the 2006 offseason. It is still a great move in my mind and I am looking forward to seeing if Campbell can progress in this complicated offense.


I just talked to this, but to say that Saunders brough "tremendous instability" is a "chicken little" comment. The problem is you had people predicting 2000 yard for Portis or Moss... 100 catches for Cooley... The amzing impact of Brandon Lloyd... The bootm line is that people didn't see that there would be an adjustment. Then because we didn't win football games (mostly b/c of the defense) there was the adjustment to Campbell. I will agree that the coaching staff and players are partly to blame for the unrealistic expectations b/c of comments made to the media... But people were not realistic at all. I remember back when I was writing the game snippets how people told me I was crazy and we'd beat Minnesota by 25 point. Well in the NFL you don't win games that way... The Texans swept the Jags this year and beat the Colts. You have to show up week in and week out and hopefully '06 was a motivation rather than a deflation of our beloved team.

We'll see soon enough.



I'm right there with you on the wondering, but I am not ready to scrap every thing and run around yelling "THE SKY IS FALLING".

Yes, GW had a down year and earned our concern... But until I see it, I refuse to believe that a man who had the following track record will fail again this year:

2005 - 9th ranked D
2004 - 3rd ranked D
2003 - 2nd ranked D
2002 - 15th ranked D
2001 - 21st ranked D
2000 - 2nd ranked D
1999 - 18th ranked D
1998 - 14th ranked D
1997 - 22nd ranked D


We're talking about a man whose defenses shut down teams like the Rams in the Super Bowl... Is he perfect? Heck no! I would put more weight for the '06 season on his shoulders (and Gibbs as the head coach) than anyone else... But I am sure as hell glad he is here and I feel that with GW we have a chance to roll out a dominating D. The key is we need to stop the run first and foremost. I understand the people that want us to rush the passer with a shiny new DE (and I agree), but the main difference in '06 is that people bent our team over and rammed it down our throats. Its one thing to lose on a deep bomb or a to a great QB like Manning... But the way that time after time we looked like excrement trying to stop even just "good" or "average" runninng backs was sickening. Stopping the run is a physical mentality and we need to draft with that in mind.... Take a DE, LB, CB, S or whatever, but for gods sake get someone with a nasty streak who is smart (no, not "super smart") and wants to knock the snot out of someone.


But all in all, while we have to answer some important questions and I wouldn't say I feel great about 2007 right now... I do feel great about the oppotunity we have and the people who are in place to attempt the impossible. Hopefully we are all happy with the results b/c the only way Skins fans will be happy is with a Super Bowl.
Is any true fan HAPPY with second place? Second place in the NFL makes you completely forgotten...scratch that, the Bills' or Eagles' fanbase can tell you just how "happy" they are.
Big Poppa, this isn't a "sky is falling" thread... and was not meant to be necessarily equated with "stability" or "instability" either. "Up in the air" means "uncertain". Remember before last season? 90% of the fanbase was pretty darn certain that we would build on the previous year, even with a new system in place. No matter what happened during the season, we were mostly confident and certain in our team.
For me, it just ain't so this time around, and personally, I think with good reason: miserable D and Campbell isn't looking like Brady just yet. That does NOT mean the sky is falling...just to me, I ain't telling my Giants and Eagles friends up here in the Philly area that we're gonna kick their a$$es like in previous years...I learned a whole lot about the "unexpected" from watching our team last season, and in a BAD way 90% of the time - they gotta prove themselves to me this season before my puffed-up Skins-ego starts talking bunk amongst my NY and Philly friends again, LOL;)

[urobm]

Was just reading these posts so this may have already been addressed, but I agree with this and the prior posts. If JC can continue his progress from last year into TC and pre-season, I think that he can be the real deal. He definitely has the tools and the work ethic, and apparently he and AL are glued at the hip this off season. Last year the pre season was the tell all, and we all should have known once Portis got hurt in Cincy that it would be a long year!


Yes, Campbell does look like the real deal. THe last few games he really showed that he was a leader. A full season as the starter should enhance his progression even more. We really need some stability, for the team as a whole so I am so glad we didnt go after every free agent on the planet. Again though, if there was a bright spot last year it was Campbell. Wasnt his pocket awareness impressive, along with the way he remained patient and even took the big hit at times to successfully complete a pass. As long as the defense can give the offense a shot we are looking pretty good. It was evident last year that no matter how many points we score, if the defense cant atleast slow team down, we wont even be in the game.

[skinswin]

The NFL is currently designed for teams to build thru the draft and to use free agency to fill the holes that are remaining. The current FO is trying to build the whole team basically thru free agency while virtually devaluing the draft all together. As long as Snyder and company continue to try to do things swimming up stream, what's happened for the majority of the last seven years will remain the same.

"If you keep doing things the same old way, you will keep getting the same old results. "

When and if Snyder decided to get a real GM in here, let the majority of us know so we can totally get behind our team again. Because we are all wasting our time rooting for a team who's owner refuses to do what is necessary to win. Get a real GM and get the hell out of the day to day operations of the team Sndyer! Just sign the freaking checks and let football people run this organazation.

[smoak]

Is any true fan HAPPY with second place? Second place in the NFL makes you completely forgotten...scratch that, the Bills' or Eagles' fanbase can tell you just how "happy" they are.
Big Poppa, this isn't a "sky is falling" thread... and was not meant to be necessarily equated with "stability" or "instability" either. "Up in the air" means "uncertain". Remember before last season? 90% of the fanbase was pretty darn certain that we would build on the previous year, even with a new system in place. No matter what happened during the season, we were mostly confident and certain in our team.
For me, it just ain't so this time around, and personally, I think with good reason: miserable D and Campbell isn't looking like Brady just yet. That does NOT mean the sky is falling...just to me, I ain't telling my Giants and Eagles friends up here in the Philly area that we're gonna kick their a$$es like in previous years...I learned a whole lot about the "unexpected" from watching our team last season, and in a BAD way 90% of the time - they gotta prove themselves to me this season before my puffed-up Skins-ego starts talking bunk amongst my NY and Philly friends again, LOL;)

If you are expecting Campbell to ever look like Brady (on or off the field), you'll probably be disappointed.

I understand your points, but all teams have question marks. I'm just level settign everyone b/c the thread has a negative feel. Life and football are never as good or as bad as people think.

I never talk trash b/c it is bad mojo.

[skinfan43]

If you are expecting Campbell to ever look like Brady (on or off the field), you'll probably be disappointed.

I understand your points, but all teams have question marks. I'm just level settign everyone b/c the thread has a negative feel. Life and football are never as good or as bad as people think.

I never talk trash b/c it is bad mojo.
That is a strong word there big poppa... we ALL have, some moreso than others;-)
Definitely not expecting Campbell to look like Brady off the field... However, I'd like to see him show smart play in the pocket (which includes knowing WHEN to get out), have at least a 2:1 TD-to-INT ratio, and develop a killer deep ball. THAT'S what I would like from my starting quarterback. Then maybe next offseason there'll be legitimate proof and reasons to be truly confident. Perhaps others are confident with this team right now, and more power to them...but I won't just be all happy-la-la going into the season, and still say it's "up in the air". That's not being negative either, notice. ;)
I don't really care about other teams' question marks. This isn't a "life or football is never as good or as bad as people think" stance I have either...just from a die-hard FAN perspective, curiosity and age-old Redskins pride are all I'm feeling as the summer approaches and the Redskins hit the field again.
I'd LOVE to have them help me get the confidence part back again. That won't be possible until after the first week of September, though.

[AliBabba]

One thing that may not be up in the air could be SS:

NFL | Doss changes agents
Mon, 2 Apr 2007 20:04:20 -0700

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports free agent S Mike Doss (Colts) has switched agents to Drew Rosenhaus.

[smoak]

One thing that may not be up in the air could be SS:

Depends on the price, but that would rock. I just think the issue is that we need more of a cover S b/c GW likes to use Taylor almost like a SS.

My thought is to slide back in the draft a bit, take CB Chris Houston, and groom Rogers to play S at some point down the line. He seems to play much better when he doesn't have to turn and run with WRs.

Of course our extra pick(s) and late rounders would be spent primarily on d-line.

[AliBabba]

Depends on the price, but that would rock. I just think the issue is that we need more of a cover S b/c GW likes to use Taylor almost like a SS.

My thought is to slide back in the draft a bit, take CB Chris Houston, and groom Rogers to play S at some point down the line. He seems to play much better when he doesn't have to turn and run with WRs.

Of course our extra pick(s) and late rounders would be spent primarily on d-line.
with his injury and character issues I doubt this would happen. I was kidding more than anything else, but there is no doubt that before the ink dries on his new contract with Doss, Rosey will be dialing 2 on his speed dial for the Danny-phone to at least "guage interest"