Should Al Saunders return in '08?

I don't think the problems we've been having are a direct link to Al. If we could say "This is his fault", then I'm ready to see him get launched. But for the most part the plays have worked, but the players have failed to execute them.
I say keep him around for another season, and give him total control.

I think the only pt i differ is how to keep the same staff - I'd like to see Gibbs take a different role in the organization and one of the two head coordinators take over as HC.


I believe the natural order the Redskins should follow is this: Continue having an offensive and defensive coordinator who's #1 duty is to call the plays in the game. Continue having one head coach who oversees and manages the whole thing. If this isn't already happening with Gibbs, it should be. While either Saunders or Williams is at least calling 80% of the plays, they should just remain as coordinators until:
a.) the offense and defense are both perfected and running like well oiled machines
b.) the next guy in line is starting to call 50% or more of the plays.

It's a natural progression that keeps continuity while eventually promoting guys into situations where they can be most successful. Since our offense is continuing to evolve and hasn't gotten up to the point where it should be at just yet with Campbell, you need Saunders in there being the guy running the offense. Gregg Williams might be closer to giving Greg Blanche more control of the offense than Al Saunders giving Don Breaux or Jack Burns control. But, until that point, I believe things should remain the same for now. Gibbs as Head Coach, Saunders and Williams as coordinators.

I think that Todd Collin's recent success is a tribute to Al Saunders. A timing critical offense works best with a vet behind the helm. I don't want to put the weight of our offensive ineptitude on Jason, but i think it's very telling how much more dynamic and effective our offense has become in the last 2.5 games.

Our offense is built on timing and accuracy, not arm strength and youth. Hopefully Jason gets the opportunity to develop his small ball skills in a great system. Keep Al.

I think it's obvious now that Al's system was not the problem. The problem was we didn't have a QB that could fully execute his offense. Campbell will get there, but right now Collins is playing lights out and showing that this offense is a dangerous one.

I think it's obvious now that Al's system was not the problem. The problem was we didn't have a QB that could fully execute his offense. Campbell will get there, but right now Collins is playing lights out and showing that this offense is a dangerous one.

Matty, I agree w/the 1st statement, but I think a couple things should be pointed out about Collins' performance v. JC:

1) Collins has had better pass pro. Certainly in the Bears game, there was a lot of max protect plays & since then we see 2 backs in to block, usually the FB helps Heyer. JC was left back there alone a lot more, though in the TB game (in which Heyer started - his first I believe) we saw this a good bit too.
2) Heyer's coming along rapidly it seems. Having started the last several games he is getting much better. The o line as a unit is really looking good & his improvement might be the difference as the right side has been weak all season.
3) Moss & Portis. Both are healthy & are playing their best. Moss td last week was clearly all him, could've just as easily have been picked.
4) Inspiration, whatever its come from the team is playing inspired in all phases.

Collins certainly deserves credit, I just think the other components of the O have improved greatly as well.

Yes other things around Collins have improved, but I still think he's been the main catalyst for the improvements on offense.

I'm honestly not sure if we would be in this position if JC was still playing. That's not a knock against him, it's just a compliment for how well Collins has played. He's taken this offense to a different level.

Ive got to agree with Matty. When (other than Cooley) your two primary offensive weapons get hot at exactly the same time, you can't overlook the guy dishing them ball.

Yes other things around Collins have improved, but I still think he's been the main catalyst for the improvements on offense.

I'm honestly not sure if we would be in this position if JC was still playing. That's not a knock against him, it's just a compliment for how well Collins has played. He's taken this offense to a different level.

That's the question I had in mind as well, would JC have the team in this position? I'd like to think so, but it's a tough question. remember Collins hasn't had to play in a really close game. The bears game was, & he closed the deal. You would think that Collins would be a better 2:00 qb than JC at this point, but it's also been years since he's been in that kind of pressure situation.

I think that the offense can work with the full control of Al Saunders. The Skins have gotten far with the injuries to Jansen and Campbell. I think what the Skins need is a qb coach with a pedigree to groom great qb's. If Jason Campbell can learn to throw over the top of defense and not through it (ex. Dallas and Tampa Bay), he can become one of the top 5 qb's in the NFL. He just needs a coach who can instill those qualities.

I think that the offense can work with the full control of Al Saunders. The Skins have gotten far with the injuries to Jansen and Campbell. I think what the Skins need is a qb coach with a pedigree to groom great qb's. If Jason Campbell can learn to throw over the top of defense and not through it (ex. Dallas and Tampa Bay), he can become one of the top 5 qb's in the NFL. He just needs a coach who can instill those qualities.

Troy Aikman for QB coach next year?

Jason: "Hi Troy, really excited to be able to work with you."

Troy: "Mr Snyder made me an offer I couldnt refuse."

Jason: "I love Mr Snyder, I respect him more than any other person in my life."

Troy: "Sure."

Jason: "What's the most important thing you can tell me about being successfull in the NFL?"

Troy: "Ask Emmitt."

Jason: "Haha, hey Lavar and I are having lunch tomorrow, you wanna swing by and say hello."

Troy: "Wawawhat...ah no thanks, ive got a nail appointment."