The Vinny and the Scouts Appreciation Thread

[Schneed10]

Our depth speaks for itself. We've gone on a four game winning streak while missing the following starters:

- Jon Jansen
- Randy Thomas
- Rocky McIntosh
- Carlos Rogers
- Sean Taylor
- Jason Campbell

Not to mention how banged up we've been at other spots. Not to mention that run defense was a major concern heading into this season, and now our defensive line is beast largely thanks to Anthony Montgomery.

My interpretation of the scouting department's job is to find the players that Gibbs and his coaches describe. I think credit for unearthing the gems, first and foremost, has to go to Gibbs and his staff. After all, they set the tone for the kinds of players they want, they tell Cerrato what kind of players they're looking for, and Gibbs himself ultimately makes the decision. But kudos definitely should go to Cerrato and company for doing the research, and being able to find the kinds of guys Gibbs has asked for.

[freddyg12]

Whatever or whoever is repsonsible deserves some props, just as this thread states. It's been so long since we've had this many late round & undrafted guys making contributions & winning. Can anyone remember the last time? Probably in Gibbs I.

Of course I'm excited for the playoffs, but the draft & free agency will be interesting in 08. Will the Danny et al look to sign Briggs & make other big deals, or be willing to spend less in free agency & focus on the draft?

My guess is that there has probably been some serious tension w/in the front office including Gibbs about personel decisions. I think the college scouting staff has probably lobbied to Gibbs about the virtues of drafting & scouting undrafted free agents, and these recent successes may be all they need as evidence.

The Danny will never want to totally abandon his aggressive free agent moves, but seeing the success of the young unheralded guys may cause him to temper his moves a lot.

[Bill B]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Whatever or whoever is repsonsible deserves some props, just as this thread states. It's been so long since we've had this many late round & undrafted guys making contributions & winning. Can anyone remember the last time? Probably in Gibbs I.

Of course I'm excited for the playoffs, but the draft & free agency will be interesting in 08. Will the Danny et al look to sign Briggs & make other big deals, or be willing to spend less in free agency & focus on the draft?

My guess is that there has probably been some serious tension w/in the front office including Gibbs about personel decisions. I think the college scouting staff has probably lobbied to Gibbs about the virtues of drafting & scouting undrafted free agents, and these recent successes may be all they need as evidence.

The Danny will never want to totally abandon his aggressive free agent moves, but seeing the success of the young unheralded guys may cause him to temper his moves a lot.

I hope you are right about this. What I can't understand about this is from a financial standpoint I would think that not having to spend huge amounts on signing bonuses and getting better on field success from unheralded free agents and draft picks would actually be more enticing to most business owners - what is it about trying to go out and buy the biggest free agents? Yeah it may create a offseason excitement and help in the sales of jerseys/merchandise, but I would think most Redskin fans really care about the Lombardi Trophy and as this year is proving your chances of success improve when you take the less heralded approach. Look at this season's big spender if you need a stark reminder - the San Francisco 49ers - all the money spent and what was their great record - a pathetic 5-11 - records speak for themselves and buying a championship is an approach that keeps failing - when are teams going to finally realize this?

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Bill B

I hope you are right about this. What I can't understand about this is from a financial standpoint I would think that not having to spend huge amounts on signing bonuses and getting better on field success from unheralded free agents and draft picks would actually be more enticing to most business owners - what is it about trying to go out and buy the biggest free agents? Yeah it may create a offseason excitement and help in the sales of jerseys/merchandise, but I would think most Redskin fans really care about the Lombardi Trophy and as this year is proving your chances of success improve when you take the less heralded approach. Look at this season's big spender if you need a stark reminder - the San Francisco 49ers - all the money spent and what was their great record - a pathetic 5-11 - records speak for themselves and buying a championship is an approach that keeps failing - when are teams going to finally realize this?

I think the Danny probably sees his free agents signings the same way he did hiring people to work for him before he owned the Skins. As a young guy who was making money in an era when corporate benefits were waning & transience was more common than loyalty, he understands that today's best workers know their value & want to be well paid. His philosophy was never bad in theory, but hasn't worked in football for a no. of reasons. He's had his own learning curve to go through & hopefully he's learned enough to build a consistent winning team.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Also, let me go on record by saying Anthony Montgomery will probably make the Pro Bowl next year.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Also, let me go on record by saying Anthony Montgomery will probably make the Pro Bowl next year.

Wow, that's pretty big. Def. could happen though.

[SmootSmack]

I especially want us to recognize the work of the scouts for going out there and finding these guys. Like Bo Schembechler's son finding Anthony Montgomery, or Terry Ray for Chris Wilson, etc. Scouting can be a thankless job but it's so key to a team's success.

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I especially want us to recognize the work of the scouts for going out there and finding these guys. Like Bo Schembechler's son finding Anthony Montgomery, or Terry Ray for Chris Wilson, etc. Scouting can be a thankless job but it's so key to a team's success.

I wish my name was Shemy Shembechler. Don't you almost have to join a Polka band with a name like that? Aren't you given one of those little Shriner parade cars (w/ hat) at birth?

[skinsnut]

I give the front office major credit since Gibbs came back....
Look at this and smile:

Free agent grabs:.
Smoot, Andre Carter, Griffin, Randel El, Springs, Washington, Frost, Fletcher, Randy Thomas, Brunell (playoffs), Collins (playoffs)
(Yes, we had 3 screw ups...Archuletta, Brandon Lloyd and Duckett but I'd take 3 vs all these good moves any day)

Trades:
Portis, Moss

Top picks have been solid:
Cooley, Campbell, Sean Taylor, Rodgers, Landry, McIntosh

and the last few years (last 2 in particular) with low rounds and undrafted free agents/CFL castoffs..etc:
Lorenzo Alexander, Golston, Heyer, Anthony Montgomery, Chris Wilson, Shuisham, Sellers

The only thing missing is success in the mid-rounds of the draft.

Just think of our roster 4 years ago with Spurrier.....what a turnaround!