A Clarification on whether the Redskins are Re-Building

Neither here nor there but you know what I remember about Rypien? He was rarely ever touched.
There was a 26 game span where he was sacked a total of 13 times.
13 times.
We had the type of OL that could make Blaine Gabbert look like a world beater.

I just don't think those OL's happen anymore. Right now, the defenses in the league have progressed and pressure is going to happen in most games. You need a qb that can be elusive and help make the OL better. Peyton Manning is a great example of that.

Kid hasn't even been drafted and we're already speculating about his 2nd contract?

Man, when is the draft already?

Are you saying it is too early to start a RG3 HOF thread? LOL.

Are you saying it is too early to start a RG3 HOF thread? LOL.

F it, how about a RGIV thread?

I just don't think those OL's happen anymore. Right now, the defenses in the league have progressed and pressure is going to happen in most games. You need a qb that can be elusive and help make the OL better. Peyton Manning is a great example of that.I get the feeling that you think I'm implying something rather then pointing out a flaw in the scenario below:
Giving RG3 the keys to the offense is similar to what Joe Gibbs did with a young Mark Rypien in 1988 and 1989.
Rypien was handed the keys to an offense protected by one of the best OL in NFL history; RG3 is being handed the keys to an OL that we hope will be near league average.

I agree that its unlikely that an OL like the hogs happen again; but not because of the defenses but because of cost.
In todays NFL an OL of that quality would be very expensive to maintain.
But, that's not to say that teams don't strive to build and invest in the OL.
Every year there are teams that provide excellent pass protection.
Most years there are a few teams that give up less then 20 sacks.
Almost a 1/3 of the league gives up less then 30.

And I completely disagree that you need an elusive QB to make an OL (seem) more productive.
Offensive lines by and large are who they are; a QB isn't going to make them 'block' better.
But, I agree that a QB along with a good scheme can help an OL lower its sack totals.
Also, Peyton Manning is a lot of things but elusive is not one of them.
Non-elusive QBs like Peyton and Brady often have lower sack totals then elusive QBs Rothlisberger, Rodgers, Vick but that could be for a lot of reasons.
Low sack numbers are generally a result of good decision making + good OL play.

And the Patriots have invested the resources needed to build and maintain a quality OL.
The Colts offenses typically featured strong OL and their recent struggles have been linked to the decline of the their OL.
One of the overlooked reasons for Cam Newton's success is the quality of the Panthers OL.

If the passing game can become explosive, then the Redskins should be able to rack up yardage and points. When was the last time the Redskins had two wide receivers go over 1,000 yards in a season? Michael Wesbrook and Albert Connell way back in 1999. If Garcon and Hankerson can each top 1,000 yards worth of receptions, and if Helu can rush for over 1,000 yards then consider the offense completely fixed.

Giving RG3 the keys to the offense is similar to what Joe Gibbs did with a young Mark Rypien in 1988 and 1989. And if the defense can improve on it 13th place ranking from a season ago, this Redskins team can go very far.

At preseason's end, quite a few NFL analysts were predicting the Redskins to win the NFC east. Well, what will they say this coming season especially when the Redskins have more explosive weapons than a year ago?

The only person I remember saying it was Michael Lombardi and I also remember him saying something about regretting that choice in mid-October.

RG3 will make our OL look better without a doubt. Just like Vick does in Philly and they have a worse line than us.

I'm definitely in this camp. To answer GTripp's question literally, are we rebuilding, yes. By rebuilding the inference is that we are not a Super Bowl contender at this point which I don't really think is up for debate. However, I expect to see the most talented and most balanced Redskin team since 2007 on the field next year and a much improved product than in recent seasons.

I'm not really of the belief that the RGIII trade has crippled our chances to improve over the next 3 off seasons. That mentality is rooted in the belief that we will still be a 4-7 win team and picking in the upper 1/3 of the draft. I'm not discounting the value of first round picks but they are not a guarantee of success. We still have plenty of picks over the next three years to build a legitimate contender, assuming RGIII is what he appears to be. It's been so long since we've had quality at that position, we forget how much an elite QB can raise the performance of the overall team.

To answer the final question, yes, I think there is a plan and has been since 2010. 2010 evaluate the roster and start the 3-4 transition, try to win with core players plus a couple of additions. 2011 focus on building a playoff defense through the draft and free agency. 2012 focus on building a playoff offense, focusing on skill positions (that's why I don't think an early pick on a RB is out of the question) and specify areas of need. The cap penalties probably derailed our full plan this offseason but we targeted players to address one of our major shortcomings in recent years, team speed and explosive players.

I've been saying since late 2011 and into the early offseason, my evaluation of Shanahan starts this season. He was playing with Zorn's roster in 2010 and was hindered by a lockout in 2011. Now he's built his defense and his offense, let's see what he does with them.

Solid post, though kinder to Mike than is deserved. Our coaches gameday preparation/performance has been underwhelming, disappointing for a SB winning HC and "up-and-coming" OC. I fully understand talent was limited, especially on offense, but limited talent does not preclude the coaches ability to teach a 2 min drill, overall tempo and general gameday preparedness.

Whether we're rebuilding or looking to win now is almost moot at this point, unless our gameday prep/performance from players certainly, but coaches especially, improves dramatically off-season strategy is totally irrelavent.

RG3 will make our OL look better without a doubt. Just like Vick does in Philly and they have a worse line than us.
You think our OL is better then Eagles?

You think our OL is better then Eagles?

I don't. U?

You think our OL is better then Eagles?

I think when healthy, the 'skins OL is pretty solid.