Al Saunders to WAS as OC (1 Viewer)

[Marvelous]

I assume Gibbs has the respect of Saunders - and vice versa.

They're from the same school of though, at least. They run very similar offenses. I believe they spent some time together at USC.

Brilliant move! I'm loving this hire! Gibbs and Saunders both come from the power running and downfield passing school of offensive coaching that arose from Gillman, Coryell and (I'm blanking - chain smoking o-coordinator with Dallas in later years). This should complete the offensive scheme's upgrade and playcalling.

Now the fascinating thing will be what they do at the 2nd WR position and at QB.

It looks like a great move. It looks like Saunders was not going to get a HC job, and then Gibbs makes his move to get him. And money is never an issue for Snyder.

 

[Jimmy James]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired. If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

 

[Texasmouth]

Redskins Hire Al SaundersAdam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders has been named offensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, Tuesday, Jan. 19. Terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

 

[surferskin]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired.

If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

why would you ever think that gibbs would retire THIS offseason?

 

[Bizkiteer]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired.

If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

Ding Ding Ding!!!! We have a winner!!! It's been rumored that he was to step down soon (a year or two), so leaving the team in good hands (Williams and Saunders) would be a good sign of that. Granted, Gibbs would stil lbe the President of Ops and be involved, just not a game plan/coaching basis.

 

[Marvelous]

Some comments:In Gibbs last press conference, someone asked about the 5 year plan. Gibbs stated it still was in effect. Gibbs is definately coming back next year as the HC.In past comments, Gibbs said his goal was to set the direction for the Redskins. He also said he wants to have a stable organization with little turnover. He also said he believes he can keep the team together even in the salary cap era.The Gregg Williams extension is a clear sign of how much they are valuing continuity in the coaching staff. Sanders looks like a good hire, although I do not know how long he will stay. Gibbs will probably step down from coaching when he thinks the organization is in good shape. I believe Bugel will step down when Gibbs does.

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

not this year depending on how things go it could be as early as after next season, or as late as the end of his 5 year deal (3 years from now), but it won't be this off season. Otherwise, you are correct that they are setting up for the future.

 

[ATW22]

I assume Gibbs has the respect of Saunders - and vice versa.

They're from the same school of though, at least. They run very similar offenses. I believe they spent some time together at USC.

Brilliant move! I'm loving this hire! Gibbs and Saunders both come from the power running and downfield passing school of offensive coaching that arose from Gillman, Coryell and (I'm blanking - chain smoking o-coordinator with Dallas in later years). This should complete the offensive scheme's upgrade and playcalling.

Now the fascinating thing will be what they do at the 2nd WR position and at QB.

Ernie Zampese - he was actually on the staff last year as a consultant

 

[dgreen]

Some comments:

In Gibbs last press conference, someone asked about the 5 year plan. Gibbs stated it still was in effect. Gibbs is definately coming back next year as the HC.

In past comments, Gibbs said his goal was to set the direction for the Redskins. He also said he wants to have a stable organization with little turnover. He also said he believes he can keep the team together even in the salary cap era.

The Gregg Williams extension is a clear sign of how much they are valuing continuity in the coaching staff. Sanders looks like a good hire, although I do not know how long he will stay.

Gibbs will probably step down from coaching when he thinks the organization is in good shape. I believe Bugel will step down when Gibbs does.

Bugel has told a story that happened last offseason. He was mentioning about all the bad press Gibbs and the Skins were getting and how that had upset Gibbs. Bugel said he was talking to Gibbs about that and Gibbs said, "We're not leaving until we get another ring."

 

[valhallan]

Gibbs is the head coach, his job is to oversee operations, not call plays.  How is this any different than what New England did with Belichick hovering over Weis and Crennel?

Gibbs has actually gone over this. Don Breax and Bugel work together and suggest plays to Gibbs. Gibbs then sends it in. Gibbs technically is calling the plays, but rarely changes the play that is given to him.

I was kind of replying to bojang's comments. But yeah, basically I like this move because it will enable Gibbs to be more of an overseer like Belichick was.

 

[dgreen]

So, both Dallas and Philly recently lost their OC to HC positions and Washington aggressively pursues a top notch OC.

 

[Riffraff]

Hopefully Campbell can pick up the West Coast offense fairly quickly.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

To the people wondering about KC UFAs who may follow Al....the only guy might be Marc Boerighter......Kennison is locked up, and FB Tony RIchardson has been a Chief since 1994, so he will get re-signed.You can have Boerighter if ya want Skins fans.....he may be better than Jacobs

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

To the people wondering about KC UFAs who may follow Al....the only guy might be Marc Boerighter......Kennison is locked up, and FB Tony RIchardson has been a Chief since 1994, so he will get re-signed.

You can have Boerighter if ya want Skins fans.....he may be better than Jacobs

sadly, that might be true

 

[AB in DC]

might be?

 

[Jason Wood]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

 

[TeddyKGB]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

What does money matter in this scenario? The Skins obviously don't have a budget. I don't think Danny had to refi anything to come up with $2 mil per for Saunders.

 

[Jason Wood]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

What does money matter in this scenario? The Skins obviously don't have a budget. I don't think Danny had to refi anything to come up with $2 mil per for Saunders.

It's just fascinating is all. Gregg Williams is now making more than a good many NFL head coaches, and Saunders is making more than any assistant not named Gregg Williams. Money talks as with all things. Say what you will about Dan Snyder's football acumen, but he's done an astounding job in increasing the value of the franchise and, in turn, using that value to try and improve the team.

 

[Jimmy James]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired.

If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

why would you ever think that gibbs would retire THIS offseason?

You mean besides the huge dough they're putting up for coaches? Joe looks tired. I think he probably plans at least one year now, but I could totally see him show up for training camp and deciding he didn't have enough left in the tank. It happens with players all the time -- why shouldn't it happen with coaches when they're in a situation like Gibbs is in (old and with highly qualified coaches to hand things over to)?

 

[DCThunder]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

What does money matter in this scenario? The Skins obviously don't have a budget. I don't think Danny had to refi anything to come up with $2 mil per for Saunders.

It's just fascinating is all. Gregg Williams is now making more than a good many NFL head coaches, and Saunders is making more than any assistant not named Gregg Williams. Money talks as with all things. Say what you will about Dan Snyder's football acumen, but he's done an astounding job in increasing the value of the franchise and, in turn, using that value to try and improve the team.

When your franchise is worth $1 billion, you can do things like this. This is also why there are over 90,000 seats at FedEx and parking costs $25 and beer $7.50. Just wait, Bill Bidwell will be wanting the league to impose a coaches salary cap any day now.

 

[surferskin]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired.

If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

why would you ever think that gibbs would retire THIS offseason?

You mean besides the huge dough they're putting up for coaches? Joe looks tired. I think he probably plans at least one year now, but I could totally see him show up for training camp and deciding he didn't have enough left in the tank. It happens with players all the time -- why shouldn't it happen with coaches when they're in a situation like Gibbs is in (old and with highly qualified coaches to hand things over to)?

i don't doubt that gibbs could hang it up after NEXT year but to think that signing saunders is sign that gibbs is leaving is kinda silly.

 

[Jimmy James]

When your franchise is worth $1 billion, you can do things like this. This is also why there are over 90,000 seats at FedEx and parking costs $25 and beer $7.50. Just wait, Bill Bidwell will be wanting the league to impose a coaches salary cap any day now.

I'm sure he'd get votes from Benson and Davis. Fortunately, I'm not sure he'd get any other votes.

 

[fatness]

In past comments, Gibbs said his goal was to set the direction for the Redskins. He also said he wants to have a stable organization with little turnover. He also said he believes he can keep the team together even in the salary cap era.

Along those same lines:Redskins Have Options Despite Arrington's Salary

The Washington Redskins do not have to renegotiate the contract of LaVar Arrington to meet the NFL salary cap and could get rid of the linebacker while still being able to re-sign their own free agents and add to the roster, according to two experts who have reviewed the team's 2006 payroll.

The Redskins face a $12 million salary cap hit if Arrington is traded or released. He is due a $6.5 million roster bonus by July 15, but that can be converted into a signing bonus prorated over four years to save the team approximately $5 million in cap space in 2006, according to the experts.

But that space is not critical to the Redskins reaching Coach Joe Gibbs's stated goal of keeping the nucleus of the roster together and perhaps adding a key player or two, according to the experts who asked not to be identified because commenting on the Redskins' cap situation could harm their future relationship with the team.

"This isn't a salary cap issue for them," said one of the experts. "They can still get under the cap with that $12 million hit, and not have to really cut anybody they wouldn't want to lose, anyway. This is not a cap issue at all; this is an issue of cash. Does [owner] Dan Snyder really want to give this player a check for $6.5 million? That's what this is all about."

 

[Mungo Burrows]

I heard on the radio that he was still under consideration for the Oakland job, but took himself out of the running because Snyder offerred more money for him to be OC. I don't know if that's funny or sad.

 

[redman]

I assume Gibbs has the respect of Saunders - and vice versa.

They're from the same school of though, at least. They run very similar offenses. I believe they spent some time together at USC.

Brilliant move! I'm loving this hire! Gibbs and Saunders both come from the power running and downfield passing school of offensive coaching that arose from Gillman, Coryell and (I'm blanking - chain smoking o-coordinator with Dallas in later years). This should complete the offensive scheme's upgrade and playcalling.

Now the fascinating thing will be what they do at the 2nd WR position and at QB.

Ernie Zampese - he was actually on the staff last year as a consultant

Thank you! Couldn't remember his name for the life of me!

 

[redman]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

This is where "large market teams" get their competitive advantage. Since Snyder took over the franchise in 1999 he's increased the profit margin an enormous amount. And of course there's no cap on coaches' salaries.

 

[redman]

We may not hear about it until camp, but this reads to me like Gibbs may be lining things up so he can retire from coaching again, possibly as soon as during this offseason. The guy has a lot on his plate and could still have his President role with the club while dealing with his very successful racing operation more if he retired.

If it doesn't happen this year, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen next year.

why would you ever think that gibbs would retire THIS offseason?

You mean besides the huge dough they're putting up for coaches? Joe looks tired. I think he probably plans at least one year now, but I could totally see him show up for training camp and deciding he didn't have enough left in the tank. It happens with players all the time -- why shouldn't it happen with coaches when they're in a situation like Gibbs is in (old and with highly qualified coaches to hand things over to)?

i don't doubt that gibbs could hang it up after NEXT year but to think that signing saunders is sign that gibbs is leaving is kinda silly.

Joe looks older than he did last time he coached, but that's about all you can say about him. He's still motivated and the team has still rallied around him. If he was a guy who was limping through the end of his second season there wouldn't be the stories about the amazingly good chemistry, FA's wanting to remain on the team, the D-line getting ready to vacation together, etc.

Instead there'd be stories about guys whispering to the media about whether Gibbs is washed up or tired, etc. Do you think Arrington would be able to shut up about that? Instead Arrington is falling on his sword publicly big time to try to stay on this team. Again, the players believe. To me that's the best sign that this is indeed a turnaround of a struggling organization rather than a one-year fluke of a performance.

 

[Jimmy James]

If he was a guy who was limping through the end of his second season there wouldn't be the stories about the amazingly good chemistry, FA's wanting to remain on the team, the D-line getting ready to vacation together, etc.

So...what you're saying is that Joe had a great year? Isn't that all the more reason to go out now instead of staying a year too long before retiring? Isn't that the argument we make all the time about players? Why doesn't it apply to coaches? Gibbs erred on the side of leaving too soon the first time...why wouldn't he do it now as well?

Instead there'd be stories about guys whispering to the media about whether Gibbs is washed up or tired, etc. Do you think Arrington would be able to shut up about that? Instead Arrington is falling on his sword publicly big time to try to stay on this team. Again, the players believe. To me that's the best sign that this is indeed a turnaround of a struggling organization rather than a one-year fluke of a performance.

Isn't a turnaround of the organization precisely what Gibbs came to DC to effect? It sounds like you're saying the mission has been accomplished. What more is there for Gibbs to do? He could stick around and try to win a title, but this is a man who has 3 Super Bowl rings and 3 championships in NASCAR's top series. Does he really need another Super Bowl ring to complete his legacy?

 

[redman]

If he was a guy who was limping through the end of his second season there wouldn't be the stories about the amazingly good chemistry, FA's wanting to remain on the team, the D-line getting ready to vacation together, etc.

So...what you're saying is that Joe had a great year? Isn't that all the more reason to go out now instead of staying a year too long before retiring? Isn't that the argument we make all the time about players? Why doesn't it apply to coaches? Gibbs erred on the side of leaving too soon the first time...why wouldn't he do it now as well?

Instead there'd be stories about guys whispering to the media about whether Gibbs is washed up or tired, etc.  Do you think Arrington would be able to shut up about that?  Instead Arrington is falling on his sword publicly big time to try to stay on this team.  Again, the players believe.  To me that's the best sign that this is indeed a turnaround of a struggling organization rather than a one-year fluke of a performance.

Isn't a turnaround of the organization precisely what Gibbs came to DC to effect? It sounds like you're saying the mission has been accomplished. What more is there for Gibbs to do? He could stick around and try to win a title, but this is a man who has 3 Super Bowl rings and 3 championships in NASCAR's top series. Does he really need another Super Bowl ring to complete his legacy?

Weak sauce. Gibbs' idea of a turnaround is a bit more than winning a playoff game. This team was successful this year but was still clearly an incomplete team. The Redskins were not dominant.

The "turnaround" was referring to in my post, above, is the turnaround of the team's attitude from one of quiet resignation under Norv Turner and Spurrier, to enthusiasm and togetherness that exists now. That's what fueled the late playoff run, and that's what will continue to drive this team for more in the future.

 

[dgreen]

I know some Skins fans have wondered what this means for other offensive coaches. The Redskins have said that this move does not mean they are getting rid of anyone.

 

[Bizkiteer]

If I'm not mistaken, this makes the 4th assistant coach in D.C. who will make at least $1 million per year [joining Williams, Bugel and Blache], and is the 2nd to go over $2 million [joining Williams]. That's a LOT of dough for a team that will be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

What does money matter in this scenario? The Skins obviously don't have a budget. I don't think Danny had to refi anything to come up with $2 mil per for Saunders.

It's just fascinating is all. Gregg Williams is now making more than a good many NFL head coaches, and Saunders is making more than any assistant not named Gregg Williams. Money talks as with all things. Say what you will about Dan Snyder's football acumen, but he's done an astounding job in increasing the value of the franchise and, in turn, using that value to try and improve the team.

Thekins have had soooooo much turnover in the coaching ranks since Gibbs left before that they are finally trying to create stability. If that means going out and getting the better talent and paying larger salary to make it happen, then that is what is done. Danny has finally realized that getting high priced FA's is not the only answer, but getting a great & stable caoching staff is as or more important.Kudos to Danny for spending the money the right way...especially since it doesn't hurt the cap.

 

[Marvelous]

I know some Skins fans have wondered what this means for other offensive coaches. The Redskins have said that this move does not mean they are getting rid of anyone.

I don't think Gibbs has ever fired or dismissed one of his assistant coaches. In his first tenure, he had a really stable coaching staff since his assistants were frequently passed over for promotions.Last offseason, Gibbs brought Bill Musgrave in to be the QB coach and reassigned Jack Burns.

By the way, the Washington Post reported this morning that all the assistant coaches (except Williams) recieved contract extensions and will retain their current titles. Sanders duties and title has not be determined yet.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins have just signed contract extensions with all their assistant coaches, which is something Gibbs insisted on addressing right away after the season. Washington Post article

The Washington Redskins, whose offense struggled in their recent playoff run, hired Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders yesterday and signed the rest of their assistant coaches to contract extensions, the team announced.

So we're likely to see more of the same from them next year, with the exception that Saunders will be running the offense. This team thinks it can win.

 

[redman]

Interesting article from ProFootballTalk:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

POSTED 5:23 p.m. EST, January 19, 2006

SNYDER CONTINUES TO COLLECT COACHES

At a time when some NFL teams are reaching to hire guys with little or no experience drawing up the X's and the O's, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder continues to take full advantage of the absence of a salary cap for coaching staffs by bringing in a seasoned offensive coordinator who arguably has the chops to run the show somewhere else.

Per ESPN.com, the 'Skins have scalped former Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders with a three-year contract worth more than $2 million annually.

Combined with Joe Gibbs' $5 million per year and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' $2.6 million annual salary, Snyder is now paying nearly $10 million per year to the top three members of his coaching staff.

Snyder's willingness to pay big money for coaching talent is even more significant in light of the fact that other franchises seem to be going on the cheap with the hiring of guys like Mike McCarthy and Sean Payton and Scott Linehan as head coaches.

And although there's a chance that each of those guys will be successful, it won't be because of anything currently on their resumes.

In our view, Snyder's addition of Saunders is further evidence of the owner's evolving understanding of the game of football -- and the proper roles of a team's employees. Several league and industry insiders have noted to us over the past several week that Snyder apparently has stepped away from the football side of the business in the past year or so, entrusting it to the folks with football pedigrees.

And it really shouldn't be a surprise. Snyder has owned the team for seven years. In that period of time he has learned from his mistakes, and he has matured. The guy didn't get so rich in the first place by being stupid, and our guess is that once he recognized that the football business isn't as easy as it looks he realized that it was in the team's best interests for him to trust the experts to do their jobs.

Hey, some owners never figure that one out. In Snyder's case, we have a feeling that his willingness to spend big and to step back could translate to into a special season in what otherwise will be a wide open NFC field in 2006.

 

[dgreen]

This team thinks it can win.

But Woodrow says they'll be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

 

[Rounders]

The real question is how does this affect Portis. He was a top 10 back this year, can he be top 5?

 

[fatness]

This team thinks it can win.

But Woodrow says they'll be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

With all 4 teams in the NFC East looking quite competitive for next year, it will not be easy for any of them to win the division or a wild card spot. But Wood's saying it'll take "luck" to do it, when in reality the team that wins it will be "good". You've got to forgive him, he's an Eagles fan. They had a tough year.

 

[dgreen]

The real question is how does this affect Portis. He was a top 10 back this year, can he be top 5?

I'm hoping he works Portis into the passing game more. For whatever reason, Gibbs rarely, if ever, throws screen passes to the RB. He did throw a couple screens to Portis, but only when he was out wide like a WR.

 

[redman]

The real question is how does this affect Portis.  He was a top 10 back this year, can he be top 5?

I'm hoping he works Portis into the passing game more. For whatever reason, Gibbs rarely, if ever, throws screen passes to the RB. He did throw a couple screens to Portis, but only when he was out wide like a WR.

I'm excited for the opposite reason. I'd like to see more downfield passing. For all the talk about Moss's big season and more plays over 20 yards than the year before, I thought that we still took too few shots downfield given Moss's amazing talent in tracking down balls in the air and adjusting.

 

[fatness]

The press conference to announce the hiring of Saunders won't be until Monday, so we'll have to wait until then to get his initial thoughts on the team.

 

[Marvelous]

Interesting article from ProFootballTalk:

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

POSTED 5:23 p.m. EST, January 19, 2006

SNYDER CONTINUES TO COLLECT COACHES

At a time when some NFL teams are reaching to hire guys with little or no experience drawing up the X's and the O's, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder continues to take full advantage of the absence of a salary cap for coaching staffs by bringing in a seasoned offensive coordinator who arguably has the chops to run the show somewhere else.

Per ESPN.com, the 'Skins have scalped former Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders with a three-year contract worth more than $2 million annually.

Combined with Joe Gibbs' $5 million per year and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' $2.6 million annual salary, Snyder is now paying nearly $10 million per year to the top three members of his coaching staff.

Snyder's willingness to pay big money for coaching talent is even more significant in light of the fact that other franchises seem to be going on the cheap with the hiring of guys like Mike McCarthy and Sean Payton and Scott Linehan as head coaches.

And although there's a chance that each of those guys will be successful, it won't be because of anything currently on their resumes.

In our view, Snyder's addition of Saunders is further evidence of the owner's evolving understanding of the game of football -- and the proper roles of a team's employees. Several league and industry insiders have noted to us over the past several week that Snyder apparently has stepped away from the football side of the business in the past year or so, entrusting it to the folks with football pedigrees.

And it really shouldn't be a surprise. Snyder has owned the team for seven years. In that period of time he has learned from his mistakes, and he has matured. The guy didn't get so rich in the first place by being stupid, and our guess is that once he recognized that the football business isn't as easy as it looks he realized that it was in the team's best interests for him to trust the experts to do their jobs.

Hey, some owners never figure that one out. In Snyder's case, we have a feeling that his willingness to spend big and to step back could translate to into a special season in what otherwise will be a wide open NFC field in 2006.

I thought this was a good (and surprisingly nice) article on Snyder by PFT. I also think it is basically true. Gibbs is clearly running the team, Snyder leads the non-football operations (marketing) and contract negotiations. And signs the paychecks for the coaches. And I think assembling a top flight coaching staff that works well together will ultimately lead to success.Note: I am a Redskin fan, but have open questioned many of the moves Snyder has made in the past when he made them.

 

[Marvelous]

The real question is how does this affect Portis.  He was a top 10 back this year, can he be top 5?

I'm hoping he works Portis into the passing game more. For whatever reason, Gibbs rarely, if ever, throws screen passes to the RB. He did throw a couple screens to Portis, but only when he was out wide like a WR.

I'm excited for the opposite reason. I'd like to see more downfield passing. For all the talk about Moss's big season and more plays over 20 yards than the year before, I thought that we still took too few shots downfield given Moss's amazing talent in tracking down balls in the air and adjusting.

The one thing I think about the KC (and Seattle) offense, when the get 1st down inside the 5 yard line, they run the ball into the endzone. It would be interesting to see stats on team play selection inside the 5 yard line. I believe Gibbs preference would be to run the ball in near the goal line.

 

[Jason Wood]

This team thinks it can win.

But Woodrow says they'll be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

With all 4 teams in the NFC East looking quite competitive for next year, it will not be easy for any of them to win the division or a wild card spot. But Wood's saying it'll take "luck" to do it, when in reality the team that wins it will be "good". You've got to forgive him, he's an Eagles fan. They had a tough year.

I TRY to be objective, but in January after a debacle of a season, you'll have to forgive me if I take a little bit of creative license in my declarations relative to the other NFC East teams.

 

[redman]

This team thinks it can win.

But Woodrow says they'll be lucky to compete for a wild card spot again next year.

With all 4 teams in the NFC East looking quite competitive for next year, it will not be easy for any of them to win the division or a wild card spot. But Wood's saying it'll take "luck" to do it, when in reality the team that wins it will be "good". You've got to forgive him, he's an Eagles fan. They had a tough year.

I TRY to be objective, but in January after a debacle of a season, you'll have to forgive me if I take a little bit of creative license in my declarations relative to the other NFC East teams.

It's ok, Jason, we still love you.

 

[AB in DC]

 

[Jimmy James]

The real question is how does this affect Portis.  He was a top 10 back this year, can he be top 5?

I'm hoping he works Portis into the passing game more. For whatever reason, Gibbs rarely, if ever, throws screen passes to the RB. He did throw a couple screens to Portis, but only when he was out wide like a WR.

I'm excited for the opposite reason. I'd like to see more downfield passing. For all the talk about Moss's big season and more plays over 20 yards than the year before, I thought that we still took too few shots downfield given Moss's amazing talent in tracking down balls in the air and adjusting.

I think it's exciting to think of what special insight Saunders may be able to bring into the organization about utilizing the Cooley to an even greater extent. Imagine the fantasy beast he would be if Saunders can squeeze even more performance out of him. I know he will be a fixture on my teams for as long as possible simply because his dual position eligibility (TE and RB) has saved my bacon during bye weeks more than once.

 

[cracKer]

EXCELLENT move by Danny. Gibbs, Saunders and Greg Williams = 3 NFL quality head coaches, and I assume Gibbs has the respect of Saunders - and vice versa.

Now if they just had a QB...

a Dream Team trifecta with Gibbs, Saunders and Williams. This should definitely be an interesting year in Washington.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

So basically what is going to happen is Gibbs is going to take a back seat to guys who actually understand the NFL today.

If you believe this, you obviously have #### for brains.

Just saying isn't it convienent that he has probably the best assistants at both sides of the ball and his offense did #### this year. With all he has going outside of football I don't see it outside the realm of possibility.

So, being 13th in points and 11th in yards means the offense did #### this year? A 1400-yard receiver and a 1500-yard rusher is ####? Taking a QB that everyone was ready to throw in the trash and getting 23 TDs and only 10 INTs out of him is ####?

You're arguing with a Browns fan. They are eternally bitter. Move on.

 

[Bojang0301]

So basically what is going to happen is Gibbs is going to take a back seat to guys who actually understand the NFL today.

If you believe this, you obviously have #### for brains.

Just saying isn't it convienent that he has probably the best assistants at both sides of the ball and his offense did #### this year. With all he has going outside of football I don't see it outside the realm of possibility.

So, being 13th in points and 11th in yards means the offense did #### this year? A 1400-yard receiver and a 1500-yard rusher is ####? Taking a QB that everyone was ready to throw in the trash and getting 23 TDs and only 10 INTs out of him is ####?

You're arguing with a Browns fan. They are eternally bitter. Move on.

HUH?! That's the most insulting post I have ever seen towards me. I am a Steelers fan. Maybe you ought to look at my icon a little bit harder and see that it is Omar Jacobs.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

So basically what is going to happen is Gibbs is going to take a back seat to guys who actually understand the NFL today.

If you believe this, you obviously have #### for brains.

Just saying isn't it convienent that he has probably the best assistants at both sides of the ball and his offense did #### this year. With all he has going outside of football I don't see it outside the realm of possibility.

So, being 13th in points and 11th in yards means the offense did #### this year? A 1400-yard receiver and a 1500-yard rusher is ####? Taking a QB that everyone was ready to throw in the trash and getting 23 TDs and only 10 INTs out of him is ####?

You're arguing with a Browns fan. They are eternally bitter. Move on.

HUH?! That's the most insulting post I have ever seen towards me. I am a Steelers fan. Maybe you ought to look at my icon a little bit harder and see that it is Omar Jacobs.

Mea culpa.I saw the colors and thought it was a Brownie.

Okay Steelers fans are just bitter the last three decades.