Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Part of the job here is to get the guys we're keeping to play better. Guys like Breeland, Fuller, Smith and Cravens... those guys have to step up their play and in Cravens case, stay on the field.

I think the other part of the job is to get off the field on 3rd down and get the ball back to the offense. If Manusky can just do those two things then he can make the defense better.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Whether it's a splashy player or coach, we should be very well aware that these type of moves don't work out more often than not. Hiring from within keeps some continuity, something we haven't typically seen much of around here.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=MTK;1163828]Whether it's a splashy player or coach, we should be very well aware that these type of moves don't work out more often than not. Hiring from within keeps some continuity, something we haven't typically seen much of around here.[/quote]

Yeah, I will say, this looked to be a move of continuity. With a better group of guys on defense, maybe Barry would have not been as bad, but I like the idea of Manusky being more aggressive in his defensive playcalling. I don't expect much, but I do expect some improvement.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

I just don't think the continuity argument holds much weight when you've had a crappy defense for 7 years. I hope that the theory is right and it will make the transition easier, but I'm not gonna put much weight on it.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=FlyerSkin;1163799]You do not know what will go down with
Cousins either. What if San Francisco offers him over 25 million? There are a ton of desperate teams out there. Are we going to break the bank for a guy who doesn't handle pressure too well? I want Kirk resigned, but not at an inflated price. Also, you have no idea what Kirk is thinking. He might want a change of scenery for all we know.[/quote]

In order for SF to offer him 25 mil, he'd have to make it to free agency first. That will never happen. Why would we let the best free agent qb even get to the market? If they think the deal isn't going to happen he will get tagged at 24.5 mil. You are basically saying we would let our stud qb walk, and get nothing in return for him, then tag him for another year until we can figure out a long term solution.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chico23231;1163818]Good article, thanks for sharing. Our focus should b on the secondary coach right now. eff everything else[/quote]

I disagree Chico, a good defensive line can mask shortcomings on the back end. D-line is priority #1, if we don't resign Baker then we are 0/3 on starters. We need a true nose tackle and at least one DE.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=mooby;1163832]I just don't think the continuity argument holds much weight when you've had a crappy defense for 7 years. I hope that the theory is right and it will make the transition easier, but I'm not gonna put much weight on it.[/quote]

It's the only positive. Manusky is well respected at Redskins Park - the players love him. The players won't have to learn a new system, but hopefully the system is a bit more aggressive under GM. With Scot McCloughan bringing in better talent on that side of the ball, it should make enough difference to give the 'skins a couple more wins - which would put this team, hopefully, as a shoe in for the playoffs next year.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=metalskins;1163836]It's the only positive. Manusky is well respected at Redskins Park - the players love him. The players won't have to learn a new system, but hopefully the system is a bit more aggressive under GM. With Scot McCloughan bringing in better talent on that side of the ball, it should make enough difference to give the 'skins a couple more wins - which would put this team, hopefully, as a shoe in for the playoffs next year.[/quote]

This reads me to like we're going to run the Joe Barry system. Or maybe Manusky's system is similar to Barry's? Either way, none of those things sound like positives. The only positive is we are obviously going to get some talent in here for him to work with. And if our d still sucks, then Manusky and by extension Gruden won't have an excuse. Gruden would be 0 for 2 on defensive coordinators at that point, and he's clearly uncomfortable hiring from outside his personal relationship pool. Hell we might even be talking about McC getting fired too if DS is mad enough. God forbid it gets to that point.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=MTK;1163828]Whether it's a splashy player or coach, we should be very well aware that these type of moves don't work out more often than not. Hiring from within keeps some continuity, something we haven't typically seen much of around here.[/quote]

Def should have a leg up on player evaluations, what needs to be changed when it comes to scheme and where talent needs to be upgraded. Pretty much hit the ground running.

Also like fact we added a DL coach who can challenge Giants McA-dope for best pornstach in the division

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chico23231;1163839]Def should have a leg up on player evaluations, what needs to be changed when it comes to scheme and where talent needs to be upgraded. Pretty much hit the ground running.

[B]Also like fact we added a DL coach who can challenge Giants McA-dope for best pornstach in the division[/B][/quote]

Best line in the Warpath in a long, long time. Well played, Sir!

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=mooby;1163838]This reads me to like we're going to run the Joe Barry system. Or maybe Manusky's system is similar to Barry's? Either way, none of those things sound like positives. The only positive is we are obviously going to get some talent in here for him to work with. And if our d still sucks, then Manusky and by extension Gruden won't have an excuse. Gruden would be 0 for 2 on defensive coordinators at that point, and he's clearly uncomfortable hiring from outside his personal relationship pool. Hell we might even be talking about McC getting fired too if DS is mad enough. God forbid it gets to that point.[/quote]

It's more than likely going to be a 3/4 defensive with a one-gap front, unless SM can bring in some talent during the offseason that can also play two-gap. The difference is that Manusky is a bit more aggressive with his approach than what Barry was. Barry's blitz packages were recognizable and predictable- Manusky's promises to be a bit more challenging to figure out. Time will tell. I'm not thrilled with the hire, but I do think Manusky is somewhat of an upgrade over Barry. Certainly his stats from previous coaching stints don't support that idea, but we'll see.

I think if Snyder ever fires Scot McCloughan, we might as well kiss our chances at ever seeing this team win another Super Bowl goodbye. Not saying Scot McCloughan is the best GM ever, but there's no way any other reputable GM would ever want to come to Washington if you fire SM after three or four seasons.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=metalskins;1163841]It's more than likely going to be a 3/4 defensive with a one-gap front, unless SM can bring in some talent during the offseason that can also play two-gap. The difference is that Manusky is a bit more aggressive with his approach than what Barry was. Barry's blitz packages were recognizable and predictable- Manusky's promises to be a bit more challenging to figure out. Time will tell. I'm not thrilled with the hire, but I do think Manusky is somewhat of an upgrade over Barry. Certainly his stats from previous coaching stints don't support that idea, but we'll see.

I think if Snyder ever fires Scot McCloughan, we might as well kiss our chances at ever seeing this team win another Super Bowl goodbye. Not saying Scot McCloughan is the best GM ever, but there's no way any other reputable GM would ever want to come to Washington if you fire SM after three or four seasons.[/quote]

We'll see. It won't matter who the coordinator is if we don't get the talent. I agree on McC, obv last offseason wasn't his best effort but I trust him as a talent evaluator, which is basically his main focus.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

I still think Pettine was the best proven option that was on the table.

But, Manusky is an ex-Skin, so I'll be rooting hard for him to succeed.

Scott McL saw what we all saw talent-wise...I think he's smart enough to make sure he does his best to address the big weaknesses (DL, ILB, S).

And there is no doubt that our Def secondary is capable of playing better than they did last year.

Maybe it was all Joe Barry, maybe some was Perry Fewell...both are gone now.

Any talent upgrade at DL, S & ILB (however slight), along with a more aggressive & determined play call [U]HAS[/U] to improve the defense.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

We hired George fn Costanza to coach D-line

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHkRq7TvAGQ[/url]

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

I can say with a fair amount of confidence that the Manusky hire probably won't make the defense any worse. :)

In my opinion there is no where to go but up. He wasn't my first choice, and it would have been nice if this position was appealing enough to have a shot at one of the top D coordinators out there. BUT, it is what it is. Surely he can't make the unit worse, and with a key free agent or two, a solid draft, maybe Junior "back" here healthy, better coaching from front to back...they will probably crack the top 20...with a little luck maybe top 15.

Gotta bring Cousins back though. Otherwise, it's a major step backward. All this talk about trading him is crazy to me.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[url=http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/29914/greg-manusky-says-redskins-will-stick-with-3-4-but-must-stop-the-run]Greg Manusky says Redskins will stick with 3-4; must 'stop the run' - Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN[/url]

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

The taint of being a crap franchise for over two decades is wearing off, but it is not completely gone. I don't mind SM and JG staying within some comfortable circle of associates, so long as we're building a Redskins identity (particularly now on D) and improving the talent and the culture. Magic Bullet Thinking should have been eradicated from Ashburn after the RG3 debacle.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Manusky was on with Larry Michael in one of those fluff video interviews on Redskins.com. He was asked what his defensive philosophy is. He said "Chew bubblegum and kick ass. And we're all out of bubblegum."

I just thought that was funny. I like the thought of aggression in the defense so I'm hopeful this works out.

Pettine has always been aggressive too, though. Whatever, onward and upward. Either this works out and we're happy or it doesn't and Gruden and the whole staff gets bounced and we start a new mindset.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

I will say, I think we have more talent on D than last year showed, especially at DB's. If we have a more cohesive defense, and add some line talent, I think we could make a dramatic rise. Of course rising from 32 to 18 still means your defense is below average, but it can get the job done in a few more games than this year.

We HAVE to resolve the safety positions. I mean we haven't had an answer there in the last 10 years...

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;1163897]I will say, I think we have more talent on D than last year showed, especially at DB's. If we have a more cohesive defense, and add some line talent, I think we could make a dramatic rise. Of course rising from 32 to 18 still means your defense is below average, but it can get the job done in a few more games than this year.

We HAVE to resolve the safety positions. I mean we haven't had an answer there in the last 10 years...[/quote]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. Breeland is a lot better than he played this year. I think it was mainly communication problems - guys were just constantly in the wrong spot.

But yeah, safety's got to get better. McCloughan sees it I'm sure. He may not be willing to pile a bunch of money into that position but I'd be willing to bet he comes away with a safety in rounds 1, 2, or 3.

I think he wants the money to go to the line.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Schneed10;1163903]I think it was mainly communication problems - guys were just constantly in the wrong spot.[/quote]

I've heard 2 interviews by Manusky since the hire and he has harped on improving communication in both.

When asked pointedly on 980 what will be the difference this year, he said communication.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Is the criticism of communication also somewhat a criticism of Compton? He's the QB of the defense. I like the guy's attitude and motor, but he's not a star, and I do not have a read on whether communications/reads is a strength or weakness. But this makes it seem a weakness.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=calia;1163912]Is the criticism of communication also somewhat a criticism of Compton? He's the QB of the defense. I like the guy's attitude and motor, but he's not a star, and I do not have a read on whether communications/reads is a strength or weakness. But this makes it seem a weakness.[/quote]

I thought Compton was well regarded in this vein. I thought the communication issues were more between safety and corner than anybody else.

You had guys playing outside leverage, which clearly indicates they expect help to the inside but it wasn't there. Or playing underneath expecting help over the top and it wasn't there.

I'm reminded of the deep ball over Whitner's head where Norman was trailing in an underneath look. But Whitner was a dolt and let the guy get way behind him.

Also, Whitner. He was a problem. Manusky should have just said communication, and no Whitner.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Yeah, I mean, Compton can tell them where to line up and such, I'm not sure if he communicates the coverage of the secondary per se. I'm sure he does to an extent, but like Schneed says, there was definitely a HUGE issue with communication in the secondary. I have never seen a secondary so lost and out of position in my entire life.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Schneed10;1163915]I thought the communication issues were more between safety and corner than anybody else.[/quote]

I agree 100% but I believe there are deeper communications issues than just between the players.

I believe we can read the tea leaves a bit here, but it is (OMG) speculation without a source.

In the days after Joe Barry was fired, Cooley and Sheehan discussed multiple times about the calls coming in late from Barry to the players on the field. Cooley specifically said he heard criticism of Barry coming out of Redskins park that Barry was waiting till the last possible moment to make the defensive call to try to get a better look at what the offense was doing, rather than just basing it on the offensive personnel.

Cooley said he believed most of the pointing and yelling among players right before the snap was in part due to the calls coming in late because Barry was trying to make the perfect call rather than just a good call.

All that being said he placed the bulk of the blame on the players.

I sort of buried this in my mind till I heard one of Manusky's interviews yesterday, I can't remember if it was on Inside the Locker Room or Redskins Nation, but he said something to the effect of he is not going to be able to predict the offensive play to be in the perfect defense all the time, but everybody is going to be on the same page. (Not an exact quote, just a summation of the meaning)

I believe Cooley's discussion combined with Manusky's statement is an indicator of communication issues between the players and coaches during the games.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Here's an interesting story about Greg Manusky.....

[url=http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/29927/tony-dungy-influenced-greg-manuskys-decision-to-coach]Tony Dungy influenced Greg Manusky's decision to coach - Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN[/url]

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Schneed10;1163903]I wholeheartedly agree with this. Breeland is a lot better than he played this year. I think it was mainly communication problems - guys were just constantly in the wrong spot.

But yeah, safety's got to get better. McCloughan sees it I'm sure. He may not be willing to pile a bunch of money into that position but I'd be willing to bet he comes away with a safety in rounds 1, 2, or 3.

I think he wants the money to go to the line.[/quote]

Been lookikg at the DL in FA. Inlike Dontari Poe for the right amount money. Someone to clog the gap who wont get tired after one play Terrance Knighton style

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=DYoungJelly;1163942[...]

In the days after Joe Barry was fired, Cooley and Sheehan discussed multiple times about the calls coming in late from Barry to the players on the field. Cooley specifically said he heard criticism of Barry coming out of Redskins park that Barry was waiting till the last possible moment to make the defensive call to try to get a better look at what the offense was doing, rather than just basing it on the offensive personnel.

Cooley said he believed most of the pointing and yelling among players right before the snap was in part due to the calls coming in late because Barry was trying to make the perfect call rather than just a good call.

All that being said he placed the bulk of the blame on the players.
[...][/quote]

I remember perfectly Cooley saying that.

A few days ago he also made a good point, imo, saying the promotion from within was good from an accountability standpoint.
Like, players who didn't buy into the system, didn't play what they were supposed to play, and brought a bad energy into the locker room (in the segment you talked about he pointed out the DB room which seemed to be an awful mess) do not get a free card.

A new guy coming in wouldn't know about the player's attitude from last year. Manusky will be able to say "you acted like a selfish child last year, you better get your shit together under my watch". Well, he has to be able to do that.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Hiring Manusky is a real head scratcher.
Does not fit the standards I was looking for, a proven NFL defensive coordinator.
Are we that bad to work for that we could not hire someone proven?
I will be highly disappointed if we spin our wheels for he next year of two.
We need to make improvements on both sides of the ball. Staying the same or regressing is a big concern of mine. Give me some visible and measurable improvement please. That is all I ask.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Defensewins;1163988]Hiring Manusky is a real head scratcher.
Does not fit the standards I was looking for, a proven NFL defensive coordinator.
Are we that bad to work for that we could not hire someone proven?
I will be highly disappointed if we spin our wheels for he next year of two.
We need to make improvements on both sides of the ball. Staying the same or regressing is a big concern of mine. Give me some visible and measurable improvement please. That is all I ask.[/quote]

tough to disagree, I think his success on 3rd downs and he developed some decent talent within the front 7 is a positive. Positive is knowledge of the staff and he seems to have some defensive players behind him is a major plus. Im glad he stated stopping the run is his focus.

But whats gonna piss me off more is if we walk out in the first game next year with Ricky-jean, Ziggy and Wil Compton as starters. This shit needs to end now. Hopefully JG can stay healthy and push Preston Smith

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Good article on Tomsula:

[url=http://m.redskins.com/news/article-1/Jim-Tomsulas-Road-To-The-Redskins-Went-Through-Plenty-Of-Adversity/9b90eb4d-77ce-456d-89e4-61c4546d7847]Redskins Home[/url]

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chico23231;1163990]tough to disagree, I think his success on 3rd downs and he developed some decent talent within the front 7 is a positive. Positive is knowledge of the staff and he seems to have some defensive players behind him is a major plus. Im glad he stated stopping the run is his focus.

But [B]whats gonna piss me off more is if we walk out in the first game next year with Ricky-jean, Ziggy and Wil Compton as starters.[/B] This shit needs to end now. Hopefully JG can stay healthy and push Preston Smith[/quote]

And Colt McCoy or Brian Hoyer as the starting QB...

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chief X_Phackter;1164000]And Colt McCoy or Brian Hoyer as the starting QB...[/quote]

:laughing2

Folks we start either one of those QB, be prepared for double digits loses...

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chief X_Phackter;1164000]And Colt McCoy or Brian Hoyer as the starting QB...[/quote]

Shut your mouth! :laughing-

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Yeah seems unfathomable, but it wouldn't surprise me at all at this point. My gut tells me he'll be back next year one way or another, but given the history of this organization, particularly some of the suspect personnel decisions that have been made over the past couple decades, I'm not at all confident that he'll be here. It think it's 50-50 at this point.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Chief X_Phackter;1164011]Yeah seems unfathomable, but it wouldn't surprise me at all at this point. My gut tells me he'll be back next year one way or another, but given the history of this organization, particularly some of the suspect personnel decisions that have been made over the past couple decades, I'm not at all confident that he'll be here. [B]It think it's 50-50 at this point.[/B][/quote]

I agree with you but this is absolutely crazy that we're in this situation...

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=Defensewins;1163988]Hiring Manusky is a real head scratcher.
Does not fit the standards I was looking for, a proven NFL defensive coordinator.
Are we that bad to work for that we could not hire someone proven?
I will be highly disappointed if we spin our wheels for he next year of two.
We need to make improvements on both sides of the ball. Staying the same or regressing is a big concern of mine. Give me some visible and measurable improvement please. That is all I ask.[/quote]

It is my opinion that one of the things that made it tough to get other more proven candidates for any of our openings was/is the uncertainty regarding Jay Gruden's future. He is coming into year 4, and since Snyder has owned the team we have never had a HC longer than 4 seasons. Probably most did not want to sign on, only to get canned after one year if this season doesn't go well. And i know some people are saying, well there is a chance that the new HC after Gruden could choose to keep the assistants, but that is only a chance and not usually what happens...

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;1164027]It is my opinion that one of the things that made it tough to get other more proven candidates for any of our openings was/is the uncertainty regarding Jay Gruden's future. He is coming into year 4, and since Snyder has owned the team we have never had a HC longer than 4 seasons. Probably most did not want to sign on, only to get canned after one year if this season doesn't go well. And i know some people are saying, well there is a chance that the new HC after Gruden could choose to keep the assistants, but that is only a chance and not usually what happens...[/quote]

Agree. Gruden should have been extended for no other reason than this. The front office has fired coaches left and right, a one year extension is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but might have a huge impact on hiring.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;1164027]It is my opinion that one of the things that made it tough to get other more proven candidates for any of our openings was/is the uncertainty regarding Jay Gruden's future. He is coming into year 4, and since Snyder has owned the team we have never had a HC longer than 4 seasons. Probably most did not want to sign on, only to get canned after one year if this season doesn't go well. And i know some people are saying, well there is a chance that the new HC after Gruden could choose to keep the assistants, but that is only a chance and not usually what happens...[/quote]

That's really what it boils down to. Honestly, I think what the Redskins front office should have done was to go ahead and extend Gruden's contract for another couple of years. Yes, it's taking a chance, but it's sending a message that they have faith in Jay Gruden (whether if they do or don't) and I believe that would have changed the situation with the defensive coordinator.

Heck, even if the front office had let it leak out to the press that they were within negotiations with Jay on extending his contract, that would have made it sound as if they're willing to stick with Gruden as long as it takes - whether if the negotiations panned out or not. Who knows? Maybe that would have been enough to have lured either Bradley or Pettine to Washington. But, what is done is done now. Hopefully Manusky can improve the defense enough to get the 'skins into the playoffs.

Re: Redskins promote Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator
 

Pettine has been out of work for a year - it didn't boil down to JG's contract status.
Bradley had a specific link with the new SD HC - again didn't boil down to JG's contract status
Phillips we have passed on twice - I think this is more JG's comfort zone, or lack thereof with coaches/staff he knows/doesn't know.
Wilks was kept on at Carolina.

I don't see JG's contract status as a hindrance (maybe it was). And in Pettine's case, I think it actually could have been an incentive (ie do a good job and if JG stumbles we have a spot for you as HC)

I'm a big Snyder defender, so let me say in terms of the 4year point. At 4 years a coach has either set the team on the right course or not. I have no problem with his coach firings after his first couple years. Name one that should have been extended or given more time. I can't (given that Gibbs left/wasn't fired).

Gruden will be extended if he shows he has the team under control and is headed the right way.