USA Today: Inside Slant

[chrisbcbu]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/home.htm
"I don't want to come across as positive," Gibbs said. "I'm not a positive-thinking guy. I'm a realist. But as poorly as everything went last year, we all feel that we have the right kind of guys and that we should be better. We don't have to tear everything up."

Even the defense, which tumbled from the NFL's ninth best in 2005 to second-worst in 2006, will not see a major overhaul. Gibbs and his defensive staff watched each game of last season and compared those tapes to four games from 2005 and didn't come away as discouraged as the stats had made them.

"The thing that encouraged me was there were select games late in the season like Philly, where (we lost because) we threw two interceptions, Carolina and the Saints (both upset victories)," Gibbs said. "Considering the way we played the first two years on defense, I felt it will be easy for us to get back to playing that kind of football if we just did a few things right. We've got the staff. We haven't made wholesale changes there. We have the players, generally. We asked how we can help ourselves. It was depth at corner and middle 'backer. I believe we have a very good chance of bouncing back."

Some of this is very interesting. This was posted yesterday so its not an April fools joke. ;)

[FanFromArizona]

"It was depth at corner and middle 'backer. I believe we have a very good chance of bouncing back."

Not sure about the depth issue, what we missed last year was basic fundamentals.

I am surprised they are not considering an overhaul on defense. We need more bodies and ones that know how to produce by doing what is expected of them within the confines of the system.

[skinfanjon]

I saw these quotes the other day on another website, can't remember which one.

Last year was a shock for a lot of us, but I'm of the same opinion as coach Gibbs. It isn't too farfetched to imagine us coming back and being competitive this year. Just look at the schedule...if the defense can just climb back to mediocrity, I don't think a wildcard spot is completely out of the question. Having said that, I will enter the season with very few expecations, but I'll be hopeful never the less. I too am a realist, lol.

[BIGSEF3]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/home.htm


Some of this is very interesting. This was posted yesterday so its not an April fools joke. ;)

nothing there is outrageous enough (or even new) to be worthy of an april fools joke. to be honest, i'm pleasantly surprised there have only been a few rediculous "rumors" to start today and no ones falling for them. despite the lunacy of this front office, even we know when something is too crazy for even them.

[skinfanjon]

"It was depth at corner and middle 'backer. I believe we have a very good chance of bouncing back."

Not sure about the depth issue, what we missed last year was basic fundamentals.

I am surprised they are not considering an overhaul on defense. We need more bodies and ones that know how to produce by doing what is expected of them within the confines of the system.

An overhaul would be difficult given our draft positioning and the available free agents salary expectations. If an overhaul is to come, it will have to be next year. The only reasonable thing we could do this offseason is to add a modest piece or two in FA and then draft defense, which hopefully will occur in a couple weeks.

[skins111111]

our secondary is now set with the signing of Smoot and Stoutmire and Prioleau comming back healthy, as is our LBers with the signing of Fletcher and Rocky maturing now Marshall is quality debth....we address DL in the draft and we are set for a very productive year:)

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

our secondary is now set with the signing of Smoot and Stoutmire and Prioleau comming back healthy, as is our LBers with the signing of Fletcher and Rocky maturing now Marshall is quality debth....we address DL in the draft and we are set for a very productive year:)
There's always the half-full glass :)

[colkurtz]

Can't take anything the FO or Gibbs says literally. They do not want to show their hand before draft day. If other teams see desperation for a DL draft pick, that reduces our bargaining position.

Also, we just are not going to be able to make any massive overhauls, nor does the FO want to go through that again - it hasn't worked the last few off-seasons.

Stability, with a few key upgrades it the ticket for the 2007 season.

[HanburgerBum]

The thing that struck me about this article is the absence of a single word about the Briggs trade. I hope that means the rumored proposal from the Skins may not be firm after all.

[Redskinmayhem]

our secondary is now set with the signing of Smoot and Stoutmire and Prioleau comming back healthy, as is our LBers with the signing of Fletcher and Rocky maturing now Marshall is quality debth....we address DL in the draft and we are set for a very productive year:)


I agree and I am the eternal optimist when it comes to our skins. I think we need some help on the Dline as well as what Gibbs mentioned to really make a run though.

[PennSkinsFan]

I don't think the defense is as bad as it appeared. Listen, the defense was decimated by injuries, right from the start, losing both Springs and Prioleau were devastating, but then by the time Springs came back, we were beat up at DT. There were a few things we need to do to fix the defense.

1. Get healthy. Will it stay that way? Who knows? Can Shawn Springs play 17 games? Who knows. Can the defensive line stay healthy in the middle, mainly Grif? We'll see. But these are key.

2. Tackle better, better leadership. Fletcher solves a part of that. Flecther will guide the defense like Peyton Manning leads his offense. He will be smooth and in control. Furthermore, maybe the rest of the team will watch that tackle machine and learn from him. Great tackler, he can get to the QB and can force turnovers. I also think were better with Marshall outside where he belongs. Marshall is a very good LBm but simply what out of place and under sized at MLB. Partially solved.

3. Need better depth at CB. Fred Smoot is in town. Big questions here is, which Fred Smoot? If Smmoty can return to at least 3/4 of what he was when here, we have great depth and an excellent nickel guy. Could be solved.

4. Safety. This worries me a bit simply because we really will not know if the injury on Prioleau has lasting effects until he is on the field. Were gambling turning the secondary over to Prioleau and Vincent. This still worries me.

5. Finally, defensive line. This will be like the 8ths taright year we have not had a bona fide pass rusher if we faily to snag one in the draft. I worry abotu whether Grif can stay healthy. Golston I am looking forward to, he played so well and now has a season under him. WE MUST DRAFT a rtue pass rusher. The key here is to get pressure ont he QB without blitzing. We need that desparately. Let's see what happens.

[redskin_rich]

Gibbs is drinking the Kool Aid now, huh. Great...

Let me just say that last year's defense was the biggest disgrace I have ever witnessed as a Redskins fan, bar none. Even George Edwards undisciplined, freelancing defense wasn't that bad.

[smoak]

The defense was the worst I can remember as a Skins fan and remains the biggest question mark on our path to success... But I agree with Gibbs. It would have been foolish to blow it up and start from scratch.

[Patrick]

5. Finally, defensive line. This will be like the 8ths taright year we have not had a bona fide pass rusher if we faily to snag one in the draft. I worry abotu whether Grif can stay healthy. Golston I am looking forward to, he played so well and now has a season under him. WE MUST DRAFT a rtue pass rusher. The key here is to get pressure ont he QB without blitzing. We need that desparately. Let's see what happens.

AND here lies the problem ............... reading what Gibbs is saying, it pretty much tells me don't be surprise at any moves like - Trading Up for a WR, or Trading Up for a QB, or Trading Down for a LB and swapping draft picks. What they are NOT going to do is draft a DL with the #6 pick - IMO.

[Swirvi]

1. Get healthy. Will it stay that way? Who knows? Can Shawn Springs play 17 games? Who knows. Can the defensive line stay healthy in the middle, mainly Grif? We'll see. But these are key.

17 games? So, not only do you have us making the playoffs? You also have us LOSING that first playoff game.

[colkurtz]

Losing PP, Springs and Griff was a major blow to this defense.

However, the main problem is that the age and talent level of the DL finally hit rock bottom. No pass rush nor the ability to stop the run. Other teams in the NFC East draft consistently to the DL [Beagles] and they have the records to show the wisdom of that philosophy.

In Gibbs I the OL and DL were the bedrock of a winning team, season after season. We need to get back to that and stop worrying about trading up to get another WR.

[James F. Quinn]

we address DL in the draft and we are set for a very productive year:)

I agree with you. What bothers me is that Joe Gibbs doesn't seem to. He didn't say a thing about the DL as an area of need.

[James F. Quinn]

17 games? So, not only do you have us making the playoffs? You also have us LOSING that first playoff game.
maybe he figure on Springs sitting out a few laughers to give Ade some CB time to sharpen his coverage skills.

[28Zcomeback]

Here's what happened: on the first series of the preseason we lost Clinton Portis. First game we lost Prioleu, who was a key guy in the secondary. Our best linebacker played knicked up for most of the season. Our MLB was knicked up, and went from playing weight of 228 lbs. to about 220 by the end of the season. Our DL was, to a man, banged up. Our best corner missed several games. Our third wideout was out, and our QB was hurt. The cumulative effect was that things started falling apart. Without guys to fill, our D-line didn't tackle as well, especially with the big backs. They were, in a word, exhausted.

If we can get everyone relatively healthy, there is no doubt that we can win some games this year that we couldn't win last year. I will go out on a limb and predict 10-6. No way that the Giants without Tiki beat us twice. No way that the Eagles without Garcia or the Cowboys without Parcels whip us twice.

10-6, and wildcard.

[dukeuch]

Here's what happened: on the first series of the preseason we lost Clinton Portis. First game we lost Prioleu, who was a key guy in the secondary. Our best linebacker played knicked up for most of the season. Our MLB was knicked up, and went from playing weight of 228 lbs. to about 220 by the end of the season. Our DL was, to a man, banged up. Our best corner missed several games. Our third wideout was out, and our QB was hurt. The cumulative effect was that things started falling apart. Without guys to fill, our D-line didn't tackle as well, especially with the big backs. They were, in a word, exhausted.

If we can get everyone relatively healthy, there is no doubt that we can win some games this year that we couldn't win last year. I will go out on a limb and predict 10-6. No way that the Giants without Tiki beat us twice. No way that the Eagles without Garcia or the Cowboys without Parcels whip us twice.

10-6, and wildcard.

Take a look at New England's injury situation last year, and their record despite it. We were not any more banged up than the average team, and the runnign back who replaced Portis kicked ass, putting up Pro Bowl type numbers, so it's not like we had RB problems.

[smoak]

AND here lies the problem ............... reading what Gibbs is saying, it pretty much tells me don't be surprise at any moves like - Trading Up for a WR, or Trading Up for a QB, or Trading Down for a LB and swapping draft picks. What they are NOT going to do is draft a DL with the #6 pick - IMO.

I think the smokescreen from the front office is working. :D

[GWBlitzST]

I am surprised they are not considering an overhaul on defense. We need more bodies and ones that know how to produce by doing what is expected of them within the confines of the system.
Posts like these I don't get. This is roughly the same defense that ranked among the tops in the league for two years prior to last year's dropoff. But the loss of Springs and PP and the HUGE disappointment that was Archuletta, not to mention Warrick Holdman's obvious blackmailing of LB coach Dale Lindsay were the problems with our defense. That and Carlos Rogers couldn't catch.

People say we never address the D line. Last two years--brought in Griffen, Daniels, Carter for big bucks. Those guys should be asked to produce for us, which they have shown they can do. Golston was DRAFTED last year and has shown promise. All these people who gripe about inconsistency and front office blunders seemingly are the same people who want "overhauls" in coaching staffs or personnel. How about we find the major problems, in this case exactly what JG was talking about--our middle linebacker and defensive secondary. Our offense will be fine with Campbell and a return to the running game. I wish people would just relax, because Joe is right--this year cannot possibly go as badly as last, and remember that we are still the team that steamrolled into the playoffs just two seasons ago.

edit: I also bet Saunders being here for a second year will greatly increase offensive efficiency, which will also help the D.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Take a look at New England's injury situation last year, and their record despite it. We were not any more banged up than the average team, and the runnign back who replaced Portis kicked ass, putting up Pro Bowl type numbers, so it's not like we had RB problems.
Totally agree, which means we lacked adequate depth at key positions.

[Hr fan]

Can't take anything the FO or Gibbs says literally. They do not want to show their hand before draft day. If other teams see desperation for a DL draft pick, that reduces our bargaining position.

Also, we just are not going to be able to make any massive overhauls, nor does the FO want to go through that again - it hasn't worked the last few off-seasons.

Stability, with a few key upgrades it the ticket for the 2007 season.

IMO JG is saying he doesn't need vet input. This means the draft can be taken for its real value - getting youth in with the time and patience to train them.

[colkurtz]

IMO JG is saying he doesn't need vet input. This means the draft can be taken for its real value - getting youth in with the time and patience to train them.

Agreed. A few key FA upgrades, some good draft picks in key areas and STABILITY. We will have a competitive team again if the defense can get back to form.

[dj_stouty]

However, the main problem is that the age and talent level of the DL finally hit rock bottom. No pass rush nor the ability to stop the run. Other teams in the NFC East draft consistently to the DL [Beagles] and they have the records to show the wisdom of that philosophy.

I'd also add that Williams' schemes aren't so secret anymore. Offenses have been able to scout his playcalling fairly well. Many times last sesaon, offenses were getting the ball into areas previously defended by a guy doing a timed blitz. I don't think this was coincidence or the result of a hot route. His secrets are out of the bag. I think Gregg needs to get creative again and come up with some new schemes.

[colkurtz]

I'd also add that Williams' schemes aren't so secret anymore. Offenses have been able to scout his playcalling fairly well. Many times last sesaon, offenses were getting the ball into areas previously defended by a guy doing a timed blitz. I don't think this was coincidence or the result of a hot route. His secrets are out of the bag. I think Gregg needs to get creative again and come up with some new schemes.

With no real pass rush, it seemed that our blitzes were blocked easily and often. This was a function of teams knowing our [lack of a pass rush] weakness and overuse of the blitz by GW. It seemed to me that GW got conservative at times.

Hey, thanks again for the DVDs you sent me overseas. Painful to watch [especially the defense] but still appreciated!

:rolleyes:

[dj_stouty]

With no real pass rush, it seemed that our blitzes were blocked easily and often. This was a function of teams knowing our [lack of a pass rush] weakness and overuse of the blitz by GW. It seemed to me that GW got conservative at times.

Very true. I miss the days when we could easily get someone free on a blitz to the QB. Remember GW's first game coaching when he got Bowen free for 2 sacks? Springs got himself 6 sacks that season. Hell, 16 different Redskins got sacks that sesason. Those were the days...

Hey, thanks again for the DVDs you sent me overseas. Painful to watch [especially the defense] but still appreciated!

My pleasure. Welcome home. When did you get home?

[Battle Cat]

I agree with JG except for this defense plays 2 different ways since Gregg Williams got here one way is dominating with a healthy C. Griffen at tackle another is mediocore to awful with a banged up C. Griffen or not in the lineup at all and with all these additions I still think we are in trouble if Griffen goes down for any amount of time.

[ChiefPowhatan17]

I am not thrilled that Gibbs blamed the 2 int's against Philly for the loss. We lost on more levels in that game than just JC's INT's.

[smoak]

I am not thrilled that Gibbs blamed the 2 int's against Philly for the loss. We lost on more levels in that game than just JC's INT's.

Turnover lose football games. Period. There are stats to back that up from years and years of football. Betts went over 200 and the defense, while inconsistent, held the iggles for the most part.

What do you think was the biggest contributing factor? I don't Gibbs was doing anything othert than being honest.

[Axegrinder]

If only Carlos Rogers would have caught those footballs.

I'm still not sold on the playcalling either.

[Jon Creveling]

Kinda agree with post #30, Imo this should not of been even mentioned by Gibbs, what is his point? With 11 penalties, dropped picks and utter chaos during the last deep drive I don't know how you as a coach only mention the 2 picks? A case could be made that Gaithers return should/could have been broken up by C.C.. some fans look at games and come up with polar opposite impressions. That doesn't mean that there is a right or wrong way. I remember being highly p.o.'ed that he (Gibbs) went for the f.g. when I felt it was do or die right then and there, the D if I remember just caved in after that and other than feeling great that Ladell ran his A/off I was left with the impression of some kinda powerplay being played out between Gibbs and Saunders.