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Re: Chicken or the Egg?
Both the Steelers and Patriots have made some brutally tough decisions over the years, replacing players like crazy. They are loyal though to their players, not to a fault. For example, that the Steelers wouldn't match Randel El's contract was very predictable and understandable. Neither team is beyond rewarding its own players, including defensive ones, and the Steelers in particular have come out with fatter contracts in the past 5 years to help get beyond their "too cheap" perception.
The Redskins have shown zero loyalty to anyone on the defense. I think what happened with Ladell Betts is a good start for the organization in rewarding its own but -- again -- its on the offensive side. The message is clear: Snyder values offensive flash. And Gibbs, who is noted for offense, doesn't quell this.
Throwing the biggest contracts on players who aren't playing (Adam) and not studying their playbooks (Lavar) hasn't helped matters either.
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