Are we the Detroit Lions?

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

I chose 1993 because that was the first year after Gibbs left -- the beginning of the 'Dark Ages' for Redskins fan, if you will.

Since then, only the Bengals, Lions, and Cardinals have an overall record worse than Washington.

Do we really want to see how we rank among the other teams since, say ... 2002?

Does it piss me off that we've been in the "Dark Ages" this long, absolutely. But let's put this into some context. We were spoiled by Gibbs & Bethard in the 80s. JKC would spend whatever it took to win. Back then with no Free Agency or salary cap that was fine, but it takes time to adjust to losing a HoF coach and change the way you operate when you used to just outbid for the best players. Also consider JKC was in his twilight years. JKC dies and the franchise is in turmoil until the final purchase by Snyder in May 1999. Snyder made some bonehead moves, but finally had enough sense to beg Gibbs to come back. Gibbs obviously didn't bring us another SB, but 2 playoff appearances in his 4 years are a lot better than the previous 10 years.

I'm sure you don't need a history lesson and you already know this stuff but, we need to look at more than just our record since 1993 and consider the entire situation. Now the roster is much more talented and the franchise far more stable and positioned to win than in 2003. Why can't we be the Steelers, Cowboys, Packers, Chargers, Saints (2006), Jets (2006) and win with a new coaching staff. Zorn is well respected, Blanche is well respected, Campbell in the F.O. is well respected.

I believe a lot of folks here will be eating some serious crow when we have a solid season next year. If one of the mods doesn't, I will start a thread within a couple of days of the new HC being hired where everyone can make their predictions for next season and state why. The thread will be available for all to see and the "humble pie" will certainly be on the menu for many here. IMO we will be at least 9-7 as long as we make a solid HC hire, if I'm wrong I will be first line for my share.