Optimism / Pessimism
 

OK, so as with everything the glass is either half empty or half full. So where are the Redskins in your mind?
I see it like this.
I see the formula in success in the NFL as continuity among coaching and philosophy. People can argue all they want about the formula in regard to team building, be it via draft or free agency or whatever, and I don't think that matters half as much.
Players are mercenaries anymore. They move around a lot, everywhere, from every team, to every team. They better be able to adapt, or they're toast.
I see the Redskins building that coaching and philosophical continuity. I think Gibbs would like to win a Super Bowl, but if he doesn't, he certainly will accomplish what he came here to do, which was put this house in order.
I think that our next head coach is already on staff, whether it's Williams, Saunders or the guy behind the curtain, who knows as of yet.
Overall: Optimism.

We've been too free with draft picks, and after several debatable moves they finally made one that was undebatable, spending a 3rd and 4th on Twinkletoes Duckett. Undeniably stupid, and a move that put egg on their faces. In reading over articles and messages around the rest of the league, the overall notion is that no matter what ends up happening with the supposed Bly trade, the Broncos will rape the Redskins. We could grab their best 2 players and their first round pick for the next five years and give up Ade Jimoh's jockstrap and the perception would still be the same.
We have to be more shrewd with our picks. If not to use them ourselves, but to use their full value in acquiring other players. I have no problem including a pick in a deal to get what we need, but as is seen time and again in many trades, a pick is much more valuable than we give it credit for.
Overall: Optimistic, only because I think the shame of the Duckett trade will burn the next time they get so freewheeling with picks.

Last year we fell off considerably after a typical gritty Joe Gibbs style season of 2005. In retrospect the natural flux of the QB position should have tipped us that it would slip a little, but the defense really let the team down. I don't need to repeat it, everyone knows how it went.
Unfortunately unless they philosophically change entirely and go back to the blitzing style that we used in 04 and 05, I'm not so optimistic. If Smoot and Rogers are our starting corners, we better not allow QBs the kind of time they had last year, or we're going to get torched. I never understood why, when we were weak in the secondary, we didn't blitz. GO get the QB, don't give him all day. And with those two as our starters, they don't have the ability to be following receivers around for 5 and 6 seconds.
I love signing London Fletcher, but he's a playmaker beyond the line of scrimmage. We need to get back to making plays behind the line, or I don't see it being much better.
Overall: Pessimism

Offensively, man, what weapons! Moss in unarguably one of the better threats in the NFL, Randel El can shine if given the opportunity, Cooley is outstanding, Portis and Betts are outstanding, the line is strong, even if they lost one piece. I love what I saw out of Campbell last year, especially the little things, He doesn't get rattled, doesn't make the killing mental error. He's got a nice deep ball, could stand to learn to put some zip on the short ball, but his problems seem completely coachable.
Overall: Optimism


So how do you see things?


~Bang

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

I agree with a lot of what you say. Overall, I am very optimistic. My big pessimistic view right now deals with the defensive tackle position and what the skins are going to do to stop the run. If they grab Alan Branch then I change to optimist.

Really good thread/post, especially during the off-season!

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Awesome post. Let me dissect it before I respond.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Simply put. I KNOW Joe wants another RING and so do I!
I think we have a team that is missin just a couple pieces, several have already been found. I really think we are real close to being where we need to be on both sides of the ball.
I think they also, have a business plan in place that we are going to slowly watch this plan unravel, to the GOOD.
THIS GLASS IS ALMOST FULL! COME ON KICKOFF 2007! SKINEM ALL!!!!
P.S. Nice Post

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

If anyone's read any of my post in the last year they would know I'm very optimistic about this team and where it is going! I love the coaching staff (especially a certain Hall of Famer) and the offense progressed nicely this past season. If the defense gets shored up in the offseason, I would be very suprised if we didn't put 10 or 11 wins on the board next season.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

What about depth on both sides of the ball. I love our starters on the offensive line but last year we barely had any injuries to deal on the offensive line. If we resign Todd Wade and get a starting guard and one more backup Guard/center I'll be happy.

On defense I am pretty much in agreement to work up front and go back from there.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=skinsfan_nn;287234]Simply put. I KNOW Joe wants another RING and so do I!
I think we have a team that is missin just a couple pieces, several have already been found. I really think we are real close to being where we need to be on both sides of the ball.
I think they also, have a business plan in place that we are going to slowly watch this plan unravel, to the GOOD.
THIS GLASS IS ALMOST FULL! COME ON KICKOFF 2007! [B]SKINEM ALL[/B]!!!!
P.S. Nice Post[/quote]


I dont recall you getting permission to use my name.
jj!

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=SkinEmAll;287258]I dont recall you getting permission to use my name.
jj![/quote]


i didnt use your name

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[QUOTE=EARTHQUAKE2689;287262]i didnt use your name[/QUOTE]

He wasn't even quoting you

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Someone using my name? ;)

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

I feel what you're sayin on the blitzing tip, but I can also understand why they didn't. Had they blitzed more, the secondary would have REALLY been torched due to various injuries. GW felt that they had a better chance by sitting back in coverage. They still got torched! So there in lies the problem. You're damned if you do , and damned if you don't!

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;287262]i didnt use your name[/quote]


was that supposed to be a joke? or were you being serious?

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=Crat92;287269]I feel what you're sayin on the blitzing tip, but I can also understand why they didn't. Had they blitzed more, the secondary would have REALLY been torched due to various injuries. GW felt that they had a better chance by sitting back in coverage. They still got torched! So there in lies the problem. You're damned if you do , and damned if you don't![/quote]

Yeah, but if youi're damned no matter what, take no prisoners.
I know the old axiom is "live by the blitz, die by the blitz". But if you don't even try to live, you're bound to die anyway.


~Bang

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Im optomistic about our offense with the two back system and campbell getting more practice, but I'm pesamistic about our defense. Right now it just seems like there are too many holes and not enough studs. We can fix some of this with the draft or a trade, but I feel that there are too many holes that even if we try to patch it all up, there will still be a few leaks. I feel we need to get a 2nd safety, I think our DTs are weak, I feel we only have one DE, I am not sold on Smoot, he needs to prove himself before I recognize him, Springs is injury prone, Fletcher will be good, but he is 32 so he will just get worse and worse every year so I feel he will not be as solid as he was last year, McIntosh needs to prove himself, and Rogers needs to dramatically step up his game.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=BangCartoon;287278]Yeah, but if youi're damned no matter what, take no prisoners.
I know the old axiom is "live by the blitz, die by the blitz". But if you don't even try to live, you're bound to die anyway.


~Bang[/quote]Good thread.

I think it's a smart move by Grilliams to try to get away from the blitz. It's a useful tool in getting pressure on the QB, but it can not create sustained success for a defense over a long period of time. If you have a crappy DL (like we did), blitzing gives you a chance to get some pressure on the QB. But it doesn't matter how good your cover guys are, eventually they are going to get beat.

Unfortunately for Williams, we got zero pressure on the QB last year. Our D Line was just not very strong across the board. They weren't good vs. the run or the pass.

Next year's line isn't going to be much better. However, our biggest cover issue was the linebackers not getting to the underneath routes, and we did fix that issue by bringing in LF. I believe the safety issue will stabilize itself with the return of Prioleau and a healthy Archuleta. So this leaves two key's for the defense to return to dominance:

1) Carlos Rogers must emerge as a shutdown corner
2) Griffin and Saleve'a must improve their level of play across the board

About the first, I'm not so sure it will ever happen. Carlos is a great tackler and we need him on the field to play the outside run. But he's never going to be a great man to man shutdown corner vs. great receivers.

The second is unlikely to happen also. I think Saleve'a has to get more playing time. He's a better player than Golston or Montgomery right now. But that No. 6 pick is our ace in the hole. If we bring in a guy like Amobi Okoye, he can force the players ahead of him to raise their game. If they can not take there game to the next level, we could very well start Okoye as a rookie.

Because of the massive need for DL improvement, im pessimistic about our defensive chances.

Offensively it all starts with the running game. Right now, we don't have the personel at guard and at TE to improve the running game. If we don't satisfactorily fill these positions, our running game will likely regress.

But the passing game will improve. Campbell will cut down his interception and bad decision rates as the season goes on and Cooley and Moss will make big plays after the catch. We really can't suffer any more from luck on the offensive end either. How many times last year did you see otherwise successful drives fizzle on the edge of our kickers' short FG range, only for us to punt the football. This simply wont happen as often. If our offense didn't improve any, we'd still put up more point. Because of this, I'm quite optimistic.

BTW, loved the latest Bang Cartoon.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Shout out would be nice though mods.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[QUOTE=holmester;287315]Shout out would be nice though mods.[/QUOTE]

There are no mods on here right now, none that I see anyhow...

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

oh well. this is interesting on AA though. Considering their vets are trying to scare aware free agents, i dont think anybody could convince Arch to not reunite with lovie if given the chance.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[QUOTE=holmester;287318]oh well. this is interesting on AA though. Considering their vets are trying to scare aware free agents, i dont think anybody could convince Arch to not reunite with lovie if given the chance.[/QUOTE]

Talk about that [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/17445-have-we-seen-last-archuleta-skins.html#post287319"]here[/URL]

This is a good thread by Bang. Let's not hijack it

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;287320]Talk about that [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/17445-have-we-seen-last-archuleta-skins.html#post287319"]here[/URL]

This is a good thread by Bang. Let's not hijack it[/QUOTE]

Optimism for me. Don't forget, this is a team that is only a year away from having been perceived as a legit superbowl contender. Although those expectations may have been unrealistic, I think the new perception of us as sub-mediocre is equally inaccurate.

I think that bringing in Smoot and Fletcher will be viewed as the best free agent signings of the year once everything is said and done. Portis and Betts will combine for over 2000 yards, Moss will go to the probowl, Campbell will start to look like the next Mcnair rather than the next Ramsey, and even Lloyd will get sick of being ostracized and will start making some catches.

Defensively we might not get back to 04 level but we won't have to - the offense will finally be good enough to win games for us. Next year, hail victory!

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

After last season, we can only go up, so I'm optimistic (as always). Simply because we have a starting QB with great potential and our running game was very effective towards the end of the season last year.

If our running resembles anything from last season, the only thing JC has to worry about is not losing the game for us. That takes a lot of pressure off of him.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

i gotta wait till the draft is over, but so far the team appears to be getting better, not worse. going into next year with ross tucker as our starting LG and pucillo as the only backup OL would be REALLY bad, so they need to fix that and get a DL guy to finish it up.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

i always see the glass half full. for some reason, it seems like its easier to have a one year turnaround in the NFL, as compared to any other of the major sports. the skins have a proven coaching staff. the skins also have a talented roster. i see a least 8 wins this year . and if the chips fall in the right spot, 10+ wins. the only question i have is how far Campbell can mature as a starting quarterback. there is no doubt in my mind the skins defense will bounce back after a nightmare season last year. good thread

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=dmek25;287686]i always see the glass half full. for some reason, it seems like its easier to have a one year turnaround in the NFL, as compared to any other of the major sports. the skins have a proven coaching staff. the skins also have a talented roster. i see a least 8 wins this year . and if the chips fall in the right spot, 10+ wins. the only question i have is how far Campbell can mature as a starting quarterback. there is no doubt in my mind the skins defense will bounce back after a nightmare season last year. good thread[/quote]


great post man i am optimistic too everything on offense looks good except for the lg situation. i would love to see ed mualitalio in a skins uniform that would be a great thing now it all depends on the maturation of JC

as for the defense london flecther and generaql silk were great additions now i am just waiting for the draft to see if the skins can trade down pick p a second rounder and still get amobi okoye that would be a coup of a off-season.

ok does anyone know if the bly trade is dead or trading springs did we stop talking to the broncos or something

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

OPTIMISM - One reason, contunity and commitment to players on the team. The players had a down year and all the coach did was resign them and guarntee them more money, and just bring in a few pieces. He also is letting them work out on their own. The coach keeps saying he likes the team, I mean how do you not want to play hard for a coach who has your back even though the rest of the league says you aren't worth sh*t. They have so many pieces on offense it is insane. On Defense they are stacked everywhere except the Dline. Grab Branch and you have a versitile and deep line with proven leaders. You have the perfect QB for the defense, and two LB's who could start weakside on alot of teams. Three starting caliber CB's, a missile for a safety. Not to mention one of the best Special teams units in the NFL, minus the kicker.
One Reason for Pessimism- no SS, Fox is just alright (but does have an upside), maybe we could go out and get Hamlin cut Arch and eat the cap hit this year.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

[quote=BangCartoon;287224]OK, so as with everything the glass is either half empty or half full. So where are the Redskins in your mind?
I see it like this.
I see the formula in success in the NFL as continuity among coaching and philosophy. People can argue all they want about the formula in regard to team building, be it via draft or free agency or whatever, and I don't think that matters half as much.
Players are mercenaries anymore. They move around a lot, everywhere, from every team, to every team. They better be able to adapt, or they're toast.
I see the Redskins building that coaching and philosophical continuity. I think Gibbs would like to win a Super Bowl, but if he doesn't, he certainly will accomplish what he came here to do, which was put this house in order.
I think that our next head coach is already on staff, whether it's Williams, Saunders or the guy behind the curtain, who knows as of yet.
Overall: Optimism.

We've been too free with draft picks, and after several debatable moves they finally made one that was undebatable, spending a 3rd and 4th on Twinkletoes Duckett. Undeniably stupid, and a move that put egg on their faces. In reading over articles and messages around the rest of the league, the overall notion is that no matter what ends up happening with the supposed Bly trade, the Broncos will rape the Redskins. We could grab their best 2 players and their first round pick for the next five years and give up Ade Jimoh's jockstrap and the perception would still be the same.
We have to be more shrewd with our picks. If not to use them ourselves, but to use their full value in acquiring other players. I have no problem including a pick in a deal to get what we need, but as is seen time and again in many trades, a pick is much more valuable than we give it credit for.
Overall: Optimistic, only because I think the shame of the Duckett trade will burn the next time they get so freewheeling with picks.

Last year we fell off considerably after a typical gritty Joe Gibbs style season of 2005. In retrospect the natural flux of the QB position should have tipped us that it would slip a little, but the defense really let the team down. I don't need to repeat it, everyone knows how it went.
Unfortunately unless they philosophically change entirely and go back to the blitzing style that we used in 04 and 05, I'm not so optimistic. If Smoot and Rogers are our starting corners, we better not allow QBs the kind of time they had last year, or we're going to get torched. I never understood why, when we were weak in the secondary, we didn't blitz. GO get the QB, don't give him all day. And with those two as our starters, they don't have the ability to be following receivers around for 5 and 6 seconds.
I love signing London Fletcher, but he's a playmaker beyond the line of scrimmage. We need to get back to making plays behind the line, or I don't see it being much better.
Overall: Pessimism

Offensively, man, what weapons! Moss in unarguably one of the better threats in the NFL, Randel El can shine if given the opportunity, Cooley is outstanding, Portis and Betts are outstanding, the line is strong, even if they lost one piece. I love what I saw out of Campbell last year, especially the little things, He doesn't get rattled, doesn't make the killing mental error. He's got a nice deep ball, could stand to learn to put some zip on the short ball, but his problems seem completely coachable.
Overall: Optimism


So how do you see things?


~Bang[/quote]


More than anything we now have a legit young starting NFL QB that can make all the throws. This is going to be the his 1st off season where he's going to be in the same offense in 5 years. Now AS can run the whole offense.

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

I'm cautiously optimistic for several reasons:

#1. I am a Redskins fan and, therefore, optimism is embedded in my DNA.

#2. The offense has enough playmakers between Portis, Betts, Cooley, and Moss (not to mention Sellers, ARE, and Lloyd) that it has the [I]potential[/I] to be very explosive. Saunders' history seems to indicate that his offenses show marked improvement, to say the least, in their second year.

#3. The O-line took a hit when Dock left, but it's still in good shape after having led the offense to the league's 4th best rushing attack and allowed the 3rd (?) fewest sacks in the league.

#4. Campbell started to look pretty damn good the past few weeks of the season. He shouldn't book a ticket to Honolulu yet, but he's showed enough promise for anyone to be optimistic.

#5. I simply refuse to believe that our defense will get any worse, it can only get better and I think GW can make it dramatically better. Our offseason moves on defense have certainly helped (Fletcher, Smoot, and a D-lineman with #6).

#6. Our special teams are in good shape, or at least better shape than last year. ARE is always a threat to take it to the house on punt returns. Frost has shown consistent improvement and proven to be a decent punter. Suisham is an unknown, but he's bound to be better than our kickers last season (who seemed like they were nailing a whopping 60% of their FG attempts).

#7. Joe Gibbs is at the helm, so anything can happen.

#8. It's the NFL, teams that are horrible one year always surprise people (e.g., the saints).

Re: Optimism / Pessimism
 

Overall Optimistic:
Offense: I think Campbell with make a leap this year by being emersed in the Saunders system in the offseason and practicing with the 1st team all year. If he uses all three WR threats and the TE plus the support of the running game, we as a team will be unstoppable. The only weak spot would be the gap in the LG spot.., that is why we need to jump on the Ravens Gaurd now because he is the ideal fit to make a run.

Defense:
I am uneasy right now, so it depend on what we do in the draft. Ideallly Branch would be the best fit, but its seems we will go another route. If we get Bly plus also keep Springs I would be estatic.the level of talent in the secondary would be major. The addition of Leadership is great, I felt this d had no leader out there. I would bring back Lavar just for an added pass rush... but ego's have to be left at the doorstep on both sides. I think an interior D lineman will be a major plus because it will free up our ends. With the potential of our offense our defense has to be that much better.