The Warpath's Minicamp Coverage

[MTK]

Joe, I'm just wondering, since you've been at minicamp and training camp the past few years now, what kind of overall vibe are you picking up on this year compared to years in the past?

Seems to me the "team" atmosphere is really shining through this year as pointed out by Coach Gibbs with the phenomenal off-season attendance mark... is that the same feeling you're getting as well?

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Joe, I'm just wondering, since you've been at minicamp and training camp the past few years now, what kind of overall vibe are you picking up on this year compared to years in the past?

Seems to me the "team" atmosphere is really shining through this year as pointed out by Coach Gibbs with the phenomenal off-season attendance mark... is that the same feeling you're getting as well?

There's definitely a different vibe this year. There's an overriding sense of genuine, resolute confidence in the team that exudes from the players. The consistent and repetitive expression of solidarity from all levels of the organization certainly gives any observer the impression that this is a team with one vision, one soul and one goal: restore the Redskins to glory. You can truly sense the bold spirit and temerity of this coaching staff in the positive demeanor of the players.

Last year, there was certainly excitement surrounding Gibbs's return, but there was also an undertow of anxiety and doubt that lurked beneath the surface. This year, it's almost the opposite: for all the outward appearances of tumult and chaos that have characterized the Redskins' offseason, there's this inner peace and stoic resolve that indicates this team will forge ahead undaunted-- and perhaps stronger than many would expect. Maybe this offseason's well-documented battles with the media are the perfect example of this underdog-like, "us against the world" mentality that seems to have hardened the will of this organization.

[SmootSmack]

Excellent work Joe! I think it's important to recognize that Crisp is basically a pioneer. By showing that a fan site could have a legitimate, professional presence on site it has now opened the door for other fan sites to gain access.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by joecrisp

There's definitely a different vibe this year. There's an overriding sense of genuine, resolute confidence in the team that exudes from the players. The consistent and repetitive expression of solidarity from all levels of the organization certainly gives any observer the impression that this is a team with one vision, one soul and one goal: restore the Redskins to glory. You can truly sense the bold spirit and temerity of this coaching staff in the positive demeanor of the players.

Last year, there was certainly excitement surrounding Gibbs's return, but there was also an undertow of anxiety and doubt that lurked beneath the surface. This year, it's almost the opposite: for all the outward appearances of tumult and chaos that have characterized the Redskins' offseason, there's this inner peace and stoic resolve that indicates this team will forge ahead undaunted-- and perhaps stronger than many would expect. Maybe this offseason's well-documented battles with the media are the perfect example of this underdog-like, "us against the world" mentality that seems to have hardened the will of this organization.

I couldn't be happier hearing this.

There has been such a "the game has passed Gibbs by" vibe (primarily a media driven creation) out there that you worry the players are going to buy into it. I'm glad that rather than complain or resign themselves to mediocrity, these guys want to show everyone how wrong they are about their team, their coach, and themselves.