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Shane · 09-22-2004, 11:57 AM

What I remember about 1981 was that Gibbs came in and wanted to install "Air Gibbs" a la "Air Coryell". Gibbs of course was hired from the San Diego Chargers where he was the offensive coordinator on their team, which was coached by Don Coryell, and which had one of the greatest offenses in league history.

"Air Gibbs" crashed, and Gibbs of course found that he had to create a system that fit the personnel that we had, and ultimately to fit the kind of division we played in, to handle players like Lawrence Taylor.

I do think that it takes time for a team to orient itself to a new coaching staff, and I think we will have to continue to improve our personnel. So there are similarities with 1981.

There are differences as well. Gibbs himself has much more experience. What he doesn't have right now is Joe Theismann. Joe Theismann was really as good as it gets as a quarterback when he was at his peak. And if you don't believe me, ask Roger Staubach, who said as much after watching Theismann's heroic efforts on a Monday night at Lambeau Field in 1983.

I really think Joe Gibbs is sending an important message when he says he is fed up with the notion of being a savior. It really does come down to the players. We have a lot of good players on our roster right now. Quarterback is the most important position on offense, however, and I think that settling out that position will be the key to the season.

We don't need a Joe Theismann. I am disappointed right now in Mark Brunell, however. Perhaps he just needs some time to adjust to the new system, and he will start to really click. Perhaps he isn't going to bring the fire and spark to lead the team. Maybe being quarterback is a job and not a passion for him. I don't know.

With Pat Ramsey, you have someone who has the physical talent, and who is smart and who is a good person. Is he going to overcome his lack of experience, which really is not just at the NFL level, but includes his time at quarterback before coming to the NFL, which was limited in scope (see Thomas Boswell's article from mid August). Is he going to overcome his trouble with making quick decisions and not replace that by making a lot of regrettable ones? He might, but if he does, will he do it fast enough?

1981 offers a good comparison, but I do think that there are differences, and to me it starts at quarterback.

09-22-2004, 11:57 AM	#6
Shane Special Teams Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 277	What I remember about 1981 was that Gibbs came in and wanted to install "Air Gibbs" a la "Air Coryell". Gibbs of course was hired from the San Diego Chargers where he was the offensive coordinator on their team, which was coached by Don Coryell, and which had one of the greatest offenses in league history. "Air Gibbs" crashed, and Gibbs of course found that he had to create a system that fit the personnel that we had, and ultimately to fit the kind of division we played in, to handle players like Lawrence Taylor. I do think that it takes time for a team to orient itself to a new coaching staff, and I think we will have to continue to improve our personnel. So there are similarities with 1981. There are differences as well. Gibbs himself has much more experience. What he doesn't have right now is Joe Theismann. Joe Theismann was really as good as it gets as a quarterback when he was at his peak. And if you don't believe me, ask Roger Staubach, who said as much after watching Theismann's heroic efforts on a Monday night at Lambeau Field in 1983. I really think Joe Gibbs is sending an important message when he says he is fed up with the notion of being a savior. It really does come down to the players. We have a lot of good players on our roster right now. Quarterback is the most important position on offense, however, and I think that settling out that position will be the key to the season. We don't need a Joe Theismann. I am disappointed right now in Mark Brunell, however. Perhaps he just needs some time to adjust to the new system, and he will start to really click. Perhaps he isn't going to bring the fire and spark to lead the team. Maybe being quarterback is a job and not a passion for him. I don't know. With Pat Ramsey, you have someone who has the physical talent, and who is smart and who is a good person. Is he going to overcome his lack of experience, which really is not just at the NFL level, but includes his time at quarterback before coming to the NFL, which was limited in scope (see Thomas Boswell's article from mid August). Is he going to overcome his trouble with making quick decisions and not replace that by making a lot of regrettable ones? He might, but if he does, will he do it fast enough? 1981 offers a good comparison, but I do think that there are differences, and to me it starts at quarterback.