How DonoShan will take us to the Playoffs this year.

[44ever]

Originally Posted by irish

They better prepare for disappointment. This team wasnt 1 player away from being a contender and still has a lot of weaknesses.

Agree but, (most) teams that have gone to the SB were not 1 player away from being a contender. But somehow they got there anyway. That is the reason why you don't see a lot of back to back SB teams.

A lot of guys are using this "were not going anywhere because we are not 1 player away thing" but if history proves anything it makes no diff.

If they play inspired and as a team they can overcome there "weaknesses"

IMO

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by irish

They better prepare for disappointment. This team wasnt 1 player away from being a contender and still has a lot of weaknesses.

This team is being constructed to "win now".....expectations are high, just as they always are this time of year. The thing to watch for will be the fan reaction if this outfit does not perform to the expectations.

[SolidSnake84]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

This team is being constructed to "win now".....expectations are high, just as they always are this time of year. The thing to watch for will be the fan reaction if this outfit does not perform to the expectations.

Honestly, haven't we always had a "win now" mentality? or the "1 big player away from the superbowl?"

I honestly can't remember 1 year where anyone ever said we are preparing for the future.

Things seem no different now than with Snyderato....Old players being signed, trading draft picks, win now, etc....

[44ever]

Originally Posted by jdc65

With the acquisition of Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan can now put the pieces together for a playoff year. Since Coach/GM Shan took over, the over-riding question has been; "Who is the QB and leader for this team?" It was clear from the beginning that Big Mike wanted his own guy to lead his team. He finally found him right up 95 in Philly. ShanAllen now know what their QB's abilities are, and they can pick and choose the players to fit the scheme they intend to run.

McNabb will be the locker-room leader, and the on-field leader that Coach Mike wants and needs. Offensive co-ordinator Kyle can now unleash his full playbook, and have full confidence in Donovan being able to run and execute all the plays.

The receivers will all be better as Donovan is a move in the pocket passer who can extend plays, the running game will be better as defenses have to respect McNabb's arm, and the line will be better because Shanahan knows what he is doing.

I don't know how they will do it yet; be it trades, the draft, or picking up additional free agents; but we can rest easy in knowing that Mike and Bruce will get the pieces in place to compete this year.
There are 2 main reasons that I believe the Redskins will make the playoffs this year:

Reason number 1: Mike Shanahan, and Reason number 2: Donovan McNabb.

I rate Shanny as 3 wins better than Zorn, and McNabb as 3 wins better than Campbell. I can now see this team winning 10 games this year.
Philly is now rebuilding, and I expect a sweep. I believe we will split with Dallas and the Giants. I expect wins against Detroit, Tampa, St. Louis, and Jacksonville. Remember, Mike Shanahan is coaching. That would give us 8 wins, and DonoShan will find a way to win at least 2 games from the remaining opponents: Packers, Vikes, Colts, Texans, Bears, and Titans.

Shanahan and McNabb already have the full faith, confidence, and trust from the players. McNabb knows how to lead, and he has a Mission now. He has something to prove, and I expect him to have Laser Focus on the task at hand, and to keep everyone else focused as well.

My prediction: Playoffs this year, and a Super Bowl Championship in 3 years. I believe Mike and McNabb both retire after 4 years together.
Now is the time to get behind this team and enjoy the ride.

Best point so far regarding the mcnabb acquisition! Execution, execution, execution.

[CRedskinsRule]

IF we get to the playoffs it will be a testament to Shanahan's abilities to get the most out of his players, not merely because McNabb is here instead of Campbell. Every action that the FO has made has been to get this group of players focused on winning, not focused on individuals. We have had talent for many years, we have not had that talent work towards the same goal. Maybe now we will, but it is still WAY to early to predict playoffs, or even an 8-8 record.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

IF we get to the playoffs it will be a testament to Shanahan's abilities to get the most out of his players, not merely because McNabb is here instead of Campbell. Every action that the FO has made has been to get this group of players focused on winning, not focused on individuals. We have had talent for many years, we have not had that talent work towards the same goal. Maybe now we will, but it is still WAY to early to predict playoffs, or even an 8-8 record.

Well said.

[jdc65]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

IF we get to the playoffs it will be a testament to Shanahan's abilities to get the most out of his players, not merely because McNabb is here instead of Campbell. Every action that the FO has made has been to get this group of players focused on winning, not focused on individuals. We have had talent for many years, we have not had that talent work towards the same goal. Maybe now we will, but it is still WAY to early to predict playoffs, or even an 8-8 record.

I don't think it is too early, they have taken major steps toward improving the roster and the mentality, and there is plenty of time to go before the season starts. It will take more than just McNabb, but he is the key piece.
Vegas cut in half the Redskin's odds of winning the Super Bowl with just his acquisition. That is impressive!

[CRedskinsRule]

Very few teams openly say that they are rebuilding. And in this league, it is understandable why not. Since FA opened up, we have seen teams go from 1-15 to the playoffs in the next year. There really is no excuse for not fielding a competitive team and feeling that one or two players would make a difference on the field. That said, this off-season does not count in the 1 Player away scenario. We cut 10 players before FA started, that was a lot of deadwood. We brought in competition at RB, a new QB, and I believe a new OLine structure through the draft and FA. We are going under serious construction right now and if it is done correctly, we will compete. But it's not because we were one player away.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Very few teams openly say that they are rebuilding. And in this league, it is understandable why not. Since FA opened up, we have seen teams go from 1-15 to the playoffs in the next year. There really is no excuse for not fielding a competitive team and feeling that one or two players would make a difference on the field. That said, this off-season does not count in the 1 Player away scenario. We cut 10 players before FA started, that was a lot of deadwood. We brought in competition at RB, a new QB, and I believe a new OLine structure through the draft and FA. We are going under serious construction right now and if it is done correctly, we will compete. But it's not because we were one player away.

Yup. What this FO is doing similar but different than Snyderrato. As someone else mentioned, and as evident just by his comments on the Haynesworth issue, Shanahan is much more focused on the talent working as a team rather than aquiring talent for talent's sake. Yes we have holes. So does every team out there. The difference between teams that compete for the tops spots and the middle of the road teams is good teams maximize what talent they have and play to those strengths.

Seriously, does anyone think NO was the most talented team in the league? They had some serious DB issues. Offensively, their line is not made up of All-Pros last I checked.

Good coaching and by extension, good execution win games. With the talent level in the NFL, it's rare that you see a team just outclassed talent wise.

[jdc65]

Of course it takes more than 1 player, but we now have a playmaker at THE most important position. That is huge. They can now focus on draft picks and getting system players in place to fill holes. The team is a whole lot closer to being a contender now then they were last week, and that is genuine reason for optimism.

[duetsch215]

they still need more help on the OL but i have faith that it will be done