Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Shameless self-promotion?

ShameFUL self-promotion!

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by scafuri27

Well said. Where was the climax here?? It is not an antagonist take on our outlook as fans, it is a bland assessment of what we did as a bottom tier team in the division in the off-season. These are not the 02-03 wizards piecing together young/old stars and pseudo/ real stars. I think the improvements at o-line will take us to 9 + wins despite our lack of "explosiveness". I compare the 2010 redskins to the 2006 Patriots. A well balanced team that can win a division, and sneak up on teams in the playoffs. Veteran and symbolic of their head coach. Not the same continuity as the pats team.. but a similar steadily progressive offensive team, void of the big play but a winning winning style. AND A 3-4 D !!

That is really optimistic...you think we'll add 5+ wins just on the improvements of the Offensive line? I know we were in a lot of games last year but look at some of the teams we lost to. Introducing a top-down restructuring of the entire football side of the operation, this is a rebuilding year. 9+ wins is a lot to ask for from a new coaching staff, new offense + defense etc.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

I agree Ruh, it is difficult to argue against the article but it seems rather generic in following the Skins-bash formula of writers. Point out Snyder's shortcomings as an owner, talk about the age of the team (ignoring that the Saints were one of the NFL's oldest teams last year-age is overrated), talk about the middling WR group being less than what McNabb had in Philly, talk about the OL weaknesses from '09 and of course the obligatory Haynesworth commentary. Blah, blah, blah.

I'd love to see a national writer talk about the value of a winning pedigree with Shanahan and McNabb and the positives they bring. Talk about how even in the midst of the Zorn debacle the team was in all but about 4 games last year so there is talent here.

It also amazes me that Portis, Johnson and Parker are 'worn down' but no-one mentions Marion Barber & Brandon Jacobs fading badly the past 2 seasons. Felix Jones is fast but fragile and what has McCoy proven in Philly? Nobody will confuse our trio with young and spry but are they ready for the retirement home like most writers seem to think?

The article isn't wrong factually nor is it overly biased against us, just kinda lazy.

Well, part of the reason that the points in bold are the standard argument against our success is... well... those are generally the reasons we haven't been successful.

-Shipping off lots of draft picks
-Snyder's middlings
-Aging team
-Weak WRs
-Bad O-line

Of the points listed in the article, the only thing that's changed much is the O-line.

Just a few years back we were thrilled to a have some vets around Super Bowl champ Gibbs and an innovator in Al Saunders. That never panned out. Is Donovan McNabb a ton better than Mark Brunell was when he came here? They were nearly identical in age when they arrived in DC. Is Mike Shanahan better than Joe Gibbs? Is Kyle Shanahan better than Al Saunders? To be determined I guess.

I think right now on paper everything looks pretty solid for the most part, but I'm so wait and see with this regime.

I'm done yelling at the doubters until we prove them wrong.

[Monkeydad]

It's wrong from the first line. Snyder is taking a new hands-off approach. Losing Vinny was also a huge change for the organization.

Shanahan and Allen are transforming this team, addressing needs that were long ignored (O-line, True Franchise QB) and making changes we've never seen before (3-4 defense).

This is a path we've never traveled down before. Sure, there is the alleged similarity to the "Over the Hill Gang", but not entirely, as we have a good young core of young players as well as experienced. Where we could not fill gaps with rookies and young talent with upside, we've plugged with proven vets.

Of course, it is the NY Times, tough to take their sports analysis seriously. It's also easy for any media source to just recycle the same annual arguments and insults against the Redskins and Dan Snyder. If they were REALLY paying attention like we do as fans, they'd see a completely new path and attitude at Redskins Park.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Buster

It's wrong from the first line. Snyder is taking a new hands-off approach. Losing Vinny was also a huge change for the organization.

Shanahan and Allen are transforming this team, addressing needs that were long ignored (O-line, True Franchise QB) and making changes we've never seen before (3-4 defense).

This is a path we've never traveled down before. Sure, there is the alleged similarity to the "Over the Hill Gang", but not entirely, as we have a good young core of young players as well as experienced. Where we could not fill gaps with rookies and young talent with upside, we've plugged with proven vets.

Of course, it is the NY Times, tough to take their sports analysis seriously. It's also easy for any media source to just recycle the same annual arguments and insults against the Redskins and Dan Snyder. If they were REALLY paying attention like we do as fans, they'd see a completely new path and attitude at Redskins Park.

Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Buster

Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.

We did sign McNabb and a host of old vet RBs and nowhere in the article does it say he's is "controlling football decisions." The article articulates that there is no difference between now and then except for Allen. First you had Marty, then Spurrier, then Gibbs, then Zorn, and now Shanahan. Do you see a pattern?

I don't know how any rational human being can't see the article for what it is...a good article. In fact I was surprised how good it was because NYT isn't really know for its in-depth sports analysis outside of the NY area.

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by Buster

Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.

Have to agree with you on that last point...this guy can say what he wants about the OL but for every detractor out there saying the OL is a mess, there is someone out there saying the OL is already the best in the division and one of the best in the league. Don't want to drown in the kool-aid so I think we are somewhere in the middle -- with a new group, an untested rookie, I think we have a solid not stellar OL with plenty of upside but certainly miles better than the scrub unit we fielded last year.

This is the year that Davis shows he is not only an elite tight end but pass-catcher in this league. McNabb has already said that Davis can play and that is big praise coming from someone who has played in the league for 10 years. Shanahan is a good teacher and it was under him that Portis had the two best seasons of his career.

All in all, the same old rehashed Redskins bashing...but something is afoot. This team is going places.

HTTR

[NYCskinfan82]

Season starts we look good all these reporters will change there story and say I told you they were going to be good nobody polices them. Lets see how we look in Pre-season then lets talk.

HTTR.

[SmootSmack]

It's a good read. Addresses concerns while also acknowledging positive changes. I mean they do say they expect us to be the most improved team in the division, but we have a long climb up.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

It's a good read. Addresses concerns while also acknowledging positive changes. I mean they do say they expect us to be the most improved team in the division, but we have a long climb up.

Would have been cool if he at least picked us third. Me being the homer I am, I believe we will win the East.

I agree with others comments though, it would be nice to not hear the same old beating drum about the Skins, things have changed but it will take us winning for a few seasons in a row before people will start to look at this franchise as relevenant again. I think MS and BA will return us to glory.

Anybody want some KOOLAID, I have plenty on tap. ( Mixed liquor and purple drank in so it is a particulary potent version of Redskins koolaid. I actually renamed it Burgandy Lean )

[rbanerjee23]

Hey...at this point, I don't want people to prognosticate 10-11 wins and then have teams gearing up for us. I would rather we take this year as a learning opportunity and sneak up on some squads who aren't expecting it.

At this point (given all the changes), it's better to be a dark horse than the frontrunner

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I don't think any teams sneak up on people anymore. Coaches put in so much work to construct game plans, and I am sure the Redskins won't really sneak up on anyone.

One thing that is going to work to our advantage though is teams won't have alot of game tape on us till week 6 or 7.

[NYCskinfan82]

Burgandy Lean I like the sound of that please post the recipe.

HTTR.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Yeah I am still perfecting that one NYC...

[skins89moss]

The article had some good solid facts but I would disagree that our 3 top backs are not washed up. CP is reported to be in the best shape of his career. LJ has very few miles on him the last 2 season. Fast Willie has been injured but still should have a burst. I like our backfield and we have 3 backs that can carried the load if if and when called upon.

I also like the off season signing of Carriker , Holiday, Kemo , and Chris Draft to help our defense transition into the 3-4 def.