***Official*** Washington Redskins 2013 Thread (1 Viewer)

[Hang 10]

As a fan but not a fan, I think Shanahan may actually be here next year. If he wasn't fired after a historic ###-kicking during a 10 loss season, he's surviving. This power play is just proof.. Snyder can't afford to throw away money like he used to.

Regarding the QBs - I would like to see Cousins do well and encourage an atmosphere of competition next year. Griffin will win but the fight will help everyone.

 

[fatness]

As a fan but not a fan, I think Shanahan may actually be here next year.

There's 0% chance of this happening. Snyder can burn all the money he wants on paying fired coaches or fighting them in court and it doesn't affect the Skins cap. Shanahan clearly wants out, he's clearly failed, he's clearly leaking stories all over the place to embarrass the owner, the fans hate him, and oh yeah, he's failed.

0% chance he's here next year.

 

[fatness]

Thom Loverro described Shanahan's press conference as "Nixon-like" in the amount of lies, and contortions made to support those lies.



Many of the reporters in that room have had off-the-record conversations with Shanahan, who said he had no off-the-record conversations.

 

[Sidewinder16]

As a fan but not a fan, I think Shanahan may actually be here next year. If he wasn't fired after a historic ###-kicking during a 10 loss season, he's surviving. This power play is just proof.. Snyder can't afford to throw away money like he used to.

Regarding the QBs - I would like to see Cousins do well and encourage an atmosphere of competition next year. Griffin will win but the fight will help everyone.

I'm at the point where I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was the head coach for 2014. I certainly think there is a very good chance he's not the coach, but the whole thing about Snyder and Allen backing his decision to bench Griffin is just weird if he's going to get canned anyways. Even if it's a power play to put Griffin in his place, that's still an effort to get him mentally ready for next season, whether anyone agrees with the methods or not. Why would Snyder/Allen allow such a controversial move involving the "face of the franchise" if they are already convinced Shanahan won't be around much longer? If Griffin is the more important part of the team moving forward, why put him through this?

 

[Hang 10]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

 

[MattFancy]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

 

[Sidewinder16]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

Then he really should be gone now. Or last week. If Snyder really hates him, it seems completely foolish to continue letting him "run" the team. If everything Shanahan is doing is a detriment to the franchise's future, it's horribly inept of Snyder to keep him in the position he's in. Maybe that is actually the case, but if so, it just goes to show that the real problem with this team continues to be the one constant over the past 15 miserable years. And that's not Shanahan or Griffin.

Look, I'm fine with Shanahan getting fired. For a whole host of reasons (some we're aware of and some I'm certain we aren't aware of) the team is just plain bad and Shanahan has to carry his portion of that baggage. But no matter what Shanahan's title is, or what "powers" his contract gives him, he still has to answer to someone farther up the ladder. Snyder has owned the team for 15 years and it's still perennially bad. And that's completely on him, because he answers to nobody when it comes to the success or failures of the Washington Redskins.

 

[Hang 10]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

Probably because Snyder is a bit more self aware these days and has been trying to change the little tyrant image. Everyone expected the meddling owner to fire the coach after the espn article and a game like that. Everyone expected the meddling owner to fire the coach when he benched his favorite player. I also think Shanahan wanted Snyder to fire him. That's exactly why he didn't.

 

[fatness]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

Firing him mid-season is emotional and rash and interfering, and is highly disruptive for the players and the remaining coaching staff. It's likely some staff members would have to be replaced as well. If you're an owner trying to shed the habit (and image) of being meddlesome and counter-productive, you do not do those things mid-season.

3 games isn't going to hurt Griffin's ego or anyone else's. They'll all be here for work in the offseason and next year.

With a different coach. 100% guarantee of that, and the players know it.

 

[Swing 51]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

But no matter what Shanahan's title is, or what "powers" his contract gives him, he still has to answer to someone farther up the ladder. Snyder has owned the team for 15 years and it's still perennially bad. And that's completely on him, because he answers to nobody when it comes to the success or failures of the Washington Redskins.

This could still be true as we don't know what's going on behind the scenes. But it appears Danny has taken a step back these last 4 years and let Shanny/Allen run the show. Shanny has been given everything he has asked for. The team hasn't shown up for about a month and a half. If you're gonna lose a game at least make it competitive and give a good effort. Look how fired up the Jags were last Thurs night. I with the 'Skins had that much passion. Starts with the HC.

 

[MattFancy]

I hope you guys are right. Like I said, I just have a weird feeling he'll be back.

 

[Hang 10]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

Then he really should be gone now. Or last week. If Snyder really hates him, it seems completely foolish to continue letting him "run" the team. If everything Shanahan is doing is a detriment to the franchise's future, it's horribly inept of Snyder to keep him in the position he's in. Maybe that is actually the case, but if so, it just goes to show that the real problem with this team continues to be the one constant over the past 15 miserable years. And that's not Shanahan or Griffin.

Look, I'm fine with Shanahan getting fired. For a whole host of reasons (some we're aware of and some I'm certain we aren't aware of) the team is just plain bad and Shanahan has to carry his portion of that baggage. But no matter what Shanahan's title is, or what "powers" his contract gives him, he still has to answer to someone farther up the ladder. Snyder has owned the team for 15 years and it's still perennially bad. And that's completely on him, because he answers to nobody when it comes to the success or failures of the Washington Redskins.

In the end, it's only 3 more games and what's the point of promoting anyone on Shanny's horrible staff? This team is going to get a total overhaul this off season anyways, so don't think anything that happens this year is going to matter going forward.

To your second point, I disagree with a lot of the criticism that heaped upon Snyder. Did he make mistakes with Marty? Sure. Spurrier? Sure. Was the Vinny/Zorn years a joke? YES. But I believe when Snyder hired Gibbs and Shanahan, I really do think he took a step back and let those guys run the show. I just don't believe the tinfoil hat crew that want to saddle him with every bad decision. It's easy to fault him in retrospect because Shanahan didn't work out and neither did Gibbs to a certain degree. But you didn't hear many fans or pundits that didn't think those were great moves at the time.

 

[fatness]

Nathan Fenno, who covers the Skins with the Washington Times, basically saying Shanahan's a lying sack of ####.

“What I’m trying to do is be as honest as I can,” Shanahan said at one point. “And I don’t normally do that because I don’t really think it’s anybody’s business except the guys in our locker room.”

OK, then. The red-faced coach normally isn’t honest. Those are his words. But this time, well, trust him. These words are the truth. At least until they aren’t.

So, when Shanahan’s contentious answers in front of a national television audience extended to the festering report that he considered quitting last season because of Daniel Snyder’s relationship with Robert Griffin III, the coach, once again, refused to deny the story. In light of the recent advent of honesty, a reporter asked Shanahan to clarify the circumstances of the report that fueled speculation the coach leaked the information.

“I think everybody in this room knows that I don’t talk to anybody off the record,” Shanahan said.

The remark wasn’t delivered with irony or a knowing wink. Not to the roomful of reporters who repeatedly speak to the coach off the record.

Ah, honesty.

 

[fatness]

Shanahan sounded like a man desperate to salvage his reputation. Trying to reframe his failed 61-game tenure in Washington. Trying to regain control of a season and job spinning out of control. Trying to push the narrative that he’s truthful and non-manipulative but, in the process, making himself appear anything but those laudable traits.

Credibility is a tenuous thing, even moreso in an organization that has tumbled back to its familiar role as a national punchline. The final shreds disappeared for Shanahan on Wednesday in a performance that had as much connection to the truth as the Redskins do to a winning season.

That’s just being honest.

 

[Ted Mullins]

If you read over the last four pages, it is the most depressing thing a football fan could ever see. How sad that this is all there is to talk about with three games left to go. Pathetic. The organization really has become a laughingstock.

I can't speak for anyone but myself but TBH I have becomed conditioned into a sense of detachment when things get this bad - I dont' take it hard, I just sit back and watch the soap opera.

 

[Sidewinder16]

This could still be true as we don't know what's going on behind the scenes. But it appears Danny has taken a step back these last 4 years and let Shanny/Allen run the show.

I agree, for the most part, that it has appeared that way. It's also no secret that Snyder and Griffin have done some very "chummy" things together. In and of itself, that's not a horrible thing. But if it's gone to Griffin's head then that needs to be corrected.

Shanny has been given everything he has asked for. The team hasn't shown up for about a month and a half. If you're gonna lose a game at least make it competitive and give a good effort. Look how fired up the Jags were last Thurs night. I with the 'Skins had that much passion. Starts with the HC.

Exactly. A competent owner makes decisions about a coach's future by what happens on the field and/or in the locker room. By all accounts, the locker room is in good shape (i.e., its not "lost") but the on field product is putrid. That's more than enough reason to fire a coach after 4 years, although I certainly see an argument for "one more season" given the extenuating circumstances (those mainly being, a lack of an offseason for Griffin to grow as a QB and the salary cap penalties).

But I don't think competent owners make decisions about a coach's future because the two have been engaging in some behind the scenes pissing match to see who is more important than the other. I don't think a competent owner would stand for that in the least. If Shanahan has been trying to engage in that, he should have been gone by now. So the fact that he isn't gone now strongly suggests to me that either Snyder is still woefully incompetent as an owner, or that the relationship between the owner and coach isn't really as vitriolic as some would want us to believe.

 

[Bob Magaw]

WAS isn't going to the playoffs. What is the worst that can happen? At first I agreed this made no sense, as it could lead to a controversy (per Packers fan). But the blocking has been terrible, and he is getting hit more than a malfunctioning piñata that won't open at a block party that forgot the blindfolds. If he did have another knee injury, it would be catastrophic. I would start him, because as others have noted, this appears to be unprecedented (madden said it hurts the integrity of the game), nobody was really thinking of this scenario, how could they have? But from Snyder's perspective, he gets his massive investment protected against an otherwise lost cause end of the season, playing out the string of three meaningless games. It doesn't reflect badly on RGIII (he wants to play) or Snyder, and Shanahan has made himself a lightning rod of controversy and bad will in Washington. And if they are now less likely to win a remaining game, there highest pick (second rounder) will be at worst #34. Also, Snyder gets to rehab his image as a meddling owner (he will be hiring a new HC in a few weeks). Not a lot of downside for Snyder from this perspective? Before when they were in a chess battle increasingly trying to up the ante with a series of moves calculated to embarrass the othe party more (Shanahan's leaks), and though now it may look like Snyder is laying low for questionable reasons (failing to "do the right thing" and fire Shanahan for reasons such as spite and not wanting to give him the satisfaction of what he wants, putting a personal feud ahead of the good team by being cheap and petty and not just coughing up the $7 million)... Snyder has regained control by morphing the game from one of chicken... into one of ju jitsu. He is turning Shanahan's negative energy, force and inertia into a positive, by absorbing and redirecting it against him (gets to protect his investment in a way that RGIII and Snyder are immune from criticism, and Shanahan is front and center in the line of fire of a firestorm of controversy of his own creation). It suits Snyder to allow Shanahan to play the fool a little while longer.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

Two reasons,

1) Trying to change image to lure top coaching talent

2) Kyle Shanahan

It is a unique situation where the HC's son is a top asst coach and even if another coach stepped in (R. Morris/Haslett) Kyle is still there. I think he had right to fire him right after, but since all the media swirl came out...Snyder is being tactile and smart.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

If you read over the last four pages, it is the most depressing thing a football fan could ever see. How sad that this is all there is to talk about with three games left to go. Pathetic. The organization really has become a laughingstock.

I can't speak for anyone but myself but TBH I have becomed conditioned into a sense of detachment when things get this bad - I dont' take it hard, I just sit back and watch the soap opera.

Surprisingly. I had got there with the losses 2-3 weeks ago. When KC was whoop'n us...I was strangely at ease. Then all this craziness...just has me wanting to watch what this train wreck brings next.

 

[hammerva]

Right now I would say 0%. But if they beat the Falcons and the Cowboys then I push it to 20%. Unfortunately beating Dallas is a great mouthwash in this area even if the teeth are beyond decayed.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

WAS isn't going to the playoffs. What is the worst that can happen? At first I agreed this made no sense, as it could lead to a controversy (per Packers fan). But the blocking has been terrible, and he is getting hit more than a malfunctioning piñata that won't open at a block party that forgot the blindfolds. If he did have another knee injury, it would be catastrophic. I would start him, because as others have noted, this appears to be unprecedented (madden said it hurts the integrity of the game), nobody was really thinking of this scenario, how could they have? But from Snyder's perspective, he gets his massive investment protected against an otherwise lost cause end of the season, playing out the string of three meaningless games. It doesn't reflect badly on RGIII (he wants to play) or Snyder, and Shanahan has made himself a lightning rod of controversy and bad will in Washington. And if they are now less likely to win a remaining game, there highest pick (second rounder) will be at worst #34. Also, Snyder gets to rehab his image as a meddling owner (he will be hiring a new HC in a few weeks). Not a lot of downside for Snyder from this perspective? Before when they were in a chess battle increasingly trying to up the ante with a series of moves calculated to embarrass the othe party more (Shanahan's leaks), and though now it may look like Snyder is laying low for questionable reasons (failing to "do the right thing" and fire Shanahan for reasons such as spite and not wanting to give him the satisfaction of what he wants, putting a personal feud ahead of the good team by being cheap and petty and not just coughing up the $7 million)... Snyder has regained control by morphing the game from one of chicken... into one of ju jitsu. He is turning Shanahan's negative energy, force and inertia into a positive, by absorbing and redirecting it against him (gets to protect his investment in a way that RGIII and Snyder are immune from criticism, and Shanahan is front and center in the line of fire of a firestorm of controversy of his own creation). It suits Snyder to allow Shanahan to play the fool a little while longer.

Good rational and would suffice for most situations. The part you have left out is that for the entire season and even more recently, Shanny has stated over n over that the best player will play. Just a week before, he stated this and even talked about it was important for RG3 to get as many reps as possible. Then he says he talked to the owner and GM about pulling RG3 for health concerns a week ago, but plays him in the snow and one of the worst fields in the NFL. As you can see, the reasoning is more than questioned and nobody believes Shanny as his actions are too conflicting with anything he's said at this point.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

Two reasons,

1) Trying to change image to lure top coaching talent

2) Kyle Shanahan

It is a unique situation where the HC's son is a top asst coach and even if another coach stepped in (R. Morris/Haslett) Kyle is still there. I think he had right to fire him right after, but since all the media swirl came out...Snyder is being tactile and smart.

I'm not buying #1 at all. Kansas City, San Francisco and Denver have all made mid-season coaching firings in the last 3 years and they seem to have done just fine in acquiring coaches that made them successful.

And if Kyle is part of the problem, fire him, too. There has to be someone on staff that hasn't completely pissed off Snyder, right? Are we to assume that coaches like Matt LaFleur or Chris Foerster are also in on the Shanahan's devious plots? If the last three games are a wash anyways, what would it hurt to have them call plays?

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Are you guys taking crazy pills or am I?

As fatness said, there is 0% chance ratface is coming back. The owner hates him, the fans hate him, the franchise QB hates him and his record is abysmal.

I was on that line of thinking, but I'd give him a 5% chance of coming back. I feel like if Snyder was going to fire him, why didn't he do it after the KC game?

Two reasons,

1) Trying to change image to lure top coaching talent

2) Kyle Shanahan

It is a unique situation where the HC's son is a top asst coach and even if another coach stepped in (R. Morris/Haslett) Kyle is still there. I think he had right to fire him right after, but since all the media swirl came out...Snyder is being tactile and smart.

I'm not buying #1 at all. Kansas City, San Francisco and Denver have all made mid-season coaching firings in the last 3 years and they seem to have done just fine in acquiring coaches that made them successful.

And if Kyle is part of the problem, fire him, too. There has to be someone on staff that hasn't completely pissed off Snyder, right? Are we to assume that coaches like Matt LaFleur or Chris Foerster are also in on the Shanahan's devious plots? If the last three games are a wash anyways, what would it hurt to have them call plays?

They don't have the same history of a meddling owner...this is why it's damage control on image. If he keeps coming across as meddling or acting rash like tyrant...then no "real" coach will want to come. It's the "when there is smoke, there is fire." He's eliminating the smoke bcuz there has been a haze over us for far too long.

 

[Sidewinder16]

They don't have the same history of a meddling owner...this is why it's damage control on image. If he keeps coming across as meddling or acting rash like tyrant...then no "real" coach will want to come. It's the "when there is smoke, there is fire." He's eliminating the smoke bcuz there has been a haze over us for far too long.

There is no lack of smoke over the team right now. It's a dumpster fire.

You're not a meddling owner if you make a move to oust a coach that's only looking to undermine your reputation and/or your franchise. Any coach worth having in the future should be able to see and understand that.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

They don't have the same history of a meddling owner...this is why it's damage control on image. If he keeps coming across as meddling or acting rash like tyrant...then no "real" coach will want to come. It's the "when there is smoke, there is fire." He's eliminating the smoke bcuz there has been a haze over us for far too long.

There is no lack of smoke over the team right now. It's a dumpster fire.

You're not a meddling owner if you make a move to oust a coach that's only looking to undermine your reputation and/or your franchise. Any coach worth having in the future should be able to see and understand that.

Well, I never said I don't agree with you. I would have fired him and think everyone and their mother would understand, but considering the information that is come out...either he's taking this damage control on image or he's buying time to get proof to fire him with cause.

 

[Ted Mullins]

If you read over the last four pages, it is the most depressing thing a football fan could ever see. How sad that this is all there is to talk about with three games left to go. Pathetic. The organization really has become a laughingstock.

I can't speak for anyone but myself but TBH I have becomed conditioned into a sense of detachment when things get this bad - I dont' take it hard, I just sit back and watch the soap opera.

Surprisingly. I had got there with the losses 2-3 weeks ago. When KC was whoop'n us...I was strangely at ease. Then all this craziness...just has me wanting to watch what this train wreck brings next.

Exactly...I have just kinda accepted it. It's made even worse by the fact that we will give away the 1st round pick, too.

I think part of the reason for the hesitation to fire Shanny mid-season - if you fire him, does Kyle leave right now with him too? So you have to replace both a head coach and an OC with 3 games left - and most of your interim coach choices are all associated with a defense and special teams that are among the worst in the league? I realize they are in an awful spot, but that seems really rock bottom for an NFL team.

I am sure the money is part of it too - obviously you can argue that $7mil is not much to Snyder/the team, but there is pride and resentment that goes along with it. I also agree with the opinion that Snyder does not want to look like he is making rash, emotional decisions - he still has to convince someone to come in here and take on this mess.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

On a side note, Jordan Reed has been out multiple weeks for a concussion that nobody ever really saw occur. Not saying it didn't happen, but it is odd that his been out with concussion symptoms or issues and it was not a typical he was running with ball or got nailed trying to catch it.

 

[fatness]

Redskin players have been told not to block or tackle too hard in the last 3 games.

To protect them from injury.

yes, I'm kidding

 

[Sidewinder16]

They don't have the same history of a meddling owner...this is why it's damage control on image. If he keeps coming across as meddling or acting rash like tyrant...then no "real" coach will want to come. It's the "when there is smoke, there is fire." He's eliminating the smoke bcuz there has been a haze over us for far too long.

There is no lack of smoke over the team right now. It's a dumpster fire.

You're not a meddling owner if you make a move to oust a coach that's only looking to undermine your reputation and/or your franchise. Any coach worth having in the future should be able to see and understand that.

Well, I never said I don't agree with you. I would have fired him and think everyone and their mother would understand, but considering the information that is come out...either he's taking this damage control on image or he's buying time to get proof to fire him with cause.

Fair enough. I guess I'm just not convinced that damage control for Snyder's reputation should take precedence over damage control for a coach that is supposedly actively working against the betterment of the franchise just to spite the owner. If that is even what is actually taking place.

 

[Bob Magaw]

WAS isn't going to the playoffs. What is the worst that can happen? At first I agreed this made no sense, as it could lead to a controversy (per Packers fan). But the blocking has been terrible, and he is getting hit more than a malfunctioning piñata that won't open at a block party that forgot the blindfolds. If he did have another knee injury, it would be catastrophic. I would start him, because as others have noted, this appears to be unprecedented (madden said it hurts the integrity of the game), nobody was really thinking of this scenario, how could they have? But from Snyder's perspective, he gets his massive investment protected against an otherwise lost cause end of the season, playing out the string of three meaningless games. It doesn't reflect badly on RGIII (he wants to play) or Snyder, and Shanahan has made himself a lightning rod of controversy and bad will in Washington. And if they are now less likely to win a remaining game, there highest pick (second rounder) will be at worst #34. Also, Snyder gets to rehab his image as a meddling owner (he will be hiring a new HC in a few weeks). Not a lot of downside for Snyder from this perspective? Before when they were in a chess battle increasingly trying to up the ante with a series of moves calculated to embarrass the othe party more (Shanahan's leaks), and though now it may look like Snyder is laying low for questionable reasons (failing to "do the right thing" and fire Shanahan for reasons such as spite and not wanting to give him the satisfaction of what he wants, putting a personal feud ahead of the good team by being cheap and petty and not just coughing up the $7 million)... Snyder has regained control by morphing the game from one of chicken... into one of ju jitsu. He is turning Shanahan's negative energy, force and inertia into a positive, by absorbing and redirecting it against him (gets to protect his investment in a way that RGIII and Snyder are immune from criticism, and Shanahan is front and center in the line of fire of a firestorm of controversy of his own creation). It suits Snyder to allow Shanahan to play the fool a little while longer.

Good rational and would suffice for most situations. The part you have left out is that for the entire season and even more recently, Shanny has stated over n over that the best player will play. Just a week before, he stated this and even talked about it was important for RG3 to get as many reps as possible. Then he says he talked to the owner and GM about pulling RG3 for health concerns a week ago, but plays him in the snow and one of the worst fields in the NFL. As you can see, the reasoning is more than questioned and nobody believes Shanny as his actions are too conflicting with anything he's said at this point.

I agree with that. I don't trust Shanahan's stated reasons either. Just pointing out that by showing restraint and not interfering, Snyder is able to let Shanahan be the bad guy.

 

[fatness]

There's no way the last weeks could play out without being a disaster that makes the team look horrible. Shanahan fired? Team looks awful. Shanahan doing press conferences and leaks to repair his reputation? Team looks awful.

It's like an intestinal flu. Just keep ####ting and wiping and ####ting and wiping til it passes, change the sheets, get a good night's sleep, and start anew.

This team is going to look a lot different next year. We don't know how yet, but Shanahan won't be part of it. I just hope the Bad Circus is over then.

 

[fatness]

I agree with that. I don't trust Shanahan's stated reasons either. Just pointing out that by showing restraint and not interfering, Snyder is able to let Shanahan be the bad guy.

I do agree with that. The local Redskin press is killing Shanahan, as are most Redskin fans.

 

[MattFancy]

WAS isn't going to the playoffs. What is the worst that can happen? At first I agreed this made no sense, as it could lead to a controversy (per Packers fan). But the blocking has been terrible, and he is getting hit more than a malfunctioning piñata that won't open at a block party that forgot the blindfolds. If he did have another knee injury, it would be catastrophic. I would start him, because as others have noted, this appears to be unprecedented (madden said it hurts the integrity of the game), nobody was really thinking of this scenario, how could they have? But from Snyder's perspective, he gets his massive investment protected against an otherwise lost cause end of the season, playing out the string of three meaningless games. It doesn't reflect badly on RGIII (he wants to play) or Snyder, and Shanahan has made himself a lightning rod of controversy and bad will in Washington. And if they are now less likely to win a remaining game, there highest pick (second rounder) will be at worst #34. Also, Snyder gets to rehab his image as a meddling owner (he will be hiring a new HC in a few weeks). Not a lot of downside for Snyder from this perspective? Before when they were in a chess battle increasingly trying to up the ante with a series of moves calculated to embarrass the othe party more (Shanahan's leaks), and though now it may look like Snyder is laying low for questionable reasons (failing to "do the right thing" and fire Shanahan for reasons such as spite and not wanting to give him the satisfaction of what he wants, putting a personal feud ahead of the good team by being cheap and petty and not just coughing up the $7 million)... Snyder has regained control by morphing the game from one of chicken... into one of ju jitsu. He is turning Shanahan's negative energy, force and inertia into a positive, by absorbing and redirecting it against him (gets to protect his investment in a way that RGIII and Snyder are immune from criticism, and Shanahan is front and center in the line of fire of a firestorm of controversy of his own creation). It suits Snyder to allow Shanahan to play the fool a little while longer.

Good rational and would suffice for most situations. The part you have left out is that for the entire season and even more recently, Shanny has stated over n over that the best player will play. Just a week before, he stated this and even talked about it was important for RG3 to get as many reps as possible. Then he says he talked to the owner and GM about pulling RG3 for health concerns a week ago, but plays him in the snow and one of the worst fields in the NFL. As you can see, the reasoning is more than questioned and nobody believes Shanny as his actions are too conflicting with anything he's said at this point.

And that's where I got lost too. If he was worried about his health, why did he play against KC? We were eliminated from the playoffs the previous week and the weather was terrible on probably the worst field in the league.

You're also right that he said he would let RG3 continue to play. So what happened to change his mind so quickly? I'm not terribly pissed about sitting RG3, but the reasoning is stupid and people shouldn't buy into it. Shanahan is so full of crap.

 

[fatness]

And that's where I got lost too. If he was worried about his health, why did he play against KC? We were eliminated from the playoffs the previous week and the weather was terrible on probably the worst field in the league.

You're also right that he said he would let RG3 continue to play. So what happened to change his mind so quickly? I'm not terribly pissed about sitting RG3, but the reasoning is stupid and people shouldn't buy into it. Shanahan is so full of crap.

His reasoning changed like this: "Hmm, what I've done so far isn't enough to get Dan to fire me. I'll just up the ante and provoke him some more. I'll beat him."

 

[Mile High]

Shanahan should just tell the truth. RG3 just isn't playing well enough to start and we want to see what our other QBs can do.

 

[Sidewinder16]

And that's where I got lost too. If he was worried about his health, why did he play against KC? We were eliminated from the playoffs the previous week and the weather was terrible on probably the worst field in the league.

You're also right that he said he would let RG3 continue to play. So what happened to change his mind so quickly? I'm not terribly pissed about sitting RG3, but the reasoning is stupid and people shouldn't buy into it. Shanahan is so full of crap.

His reasoning changed like this: "Hmm, what I've done so far isn't enough to get Dan to fire me. I'll just up the ante and provoke him some more. I'll beat him."

Then shame on Snyder for keeping that cancer around. An owner that's willing to watch his franchise crumble and erode around him for the sake of his own image or reputation is not one that's going to attract, keep and adequately support quality coaching talent.

At least we can take comfort in knowing the future of the franchise. The next coach is doomed to fail like the last 6 (I'm willing to give Robiskie a pass).

 

[ryno1980]

If you read over the last four pages, it is the most depressing thing a football fan could ever see. How sad that this is all there is to talk about with three games left to go. Pathetic. The organization really has become a laughingstock.

I can't speak for anyone but myself but TBH I have becomed conditioned into a sense of detachment when things get this bad - I dont' take it hard, I just sit back and watch the soap opera.

Surprisingly. I had got there with the losses 2-3 weeks ago. When KC was whoop'n us...I was strangely at ease. Then all this craziness...just has me wanting to watch what this train wreck brings next.

Exactly...I have just kinda accepted it. It's made even worse by the fact that we will give away the 1st round pick, too.I think part of the reason for the hesitation to fire Shanny mid-season - if you fire him, does Kyle leave right now with him too? So you have to replace both a head coach and an OC with 3 games left - and most of your interim coach choices are all associated with a defense and special teams that are among the worst in the league? I realize they are in an awful spot, but that seems really rock bottom for an NFL team.

I am sure the money is part of it too - obviously you can argue that $7mil is not much to Snyder/the team, but there is pride and resentment that goes along with it. I also agree with the opinion that Snyder does not want to look like he is making rash, emotional decisions - he still has to convince someone to come in here and take on this mess.

I understand there's a lot of losing over the years. I am a cubs fan and empathize. But some of you Washington fans are coming off a little unstable. People in Jacksonville would probably love to have the "mess" you have in Washington with rg3, garçon, jordan reed and Morris. Seems like a heck of a core offense that shanahan has built to me.

People saying he's trying to get fired I don't get. Rg3 needs to be humbled. Based on some of the comments he's made redirecting blame, he's not ready to be a true leader of a franchise. He needs to be coachable.

Like him or not, the shanahan has busted it to try to turn it around. Yeah he needs to bring in new coordinators (kubiak on offense) and add talent on the defense and oline.

The NFC east is no cakewalk with Philly and Dallas and New York. They've played a top half rated in schedule in toughness. If I were Snyder, I'd show some faith in the coach I decided to pay all that money.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Shanahan should just tell the truth. RG3 just isn't playing well enough to start and we want to see what our other QBs can do.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

So, if Kirk Cousins plays really good in all three games...does that mean Cousins or RG3 gets traded?

I only include RG3 in case Shanny does come back (slim to none chance) and RG3 says...Trade me or release me cuz I'm not playing for him. I just don't see Cousins pulling in a high pick, not enough to be seen for another team to invest 2nd rounder or multiple picks.

 

[Bob Magaw]

WAS isn't going to the playoffs. What is the worst that can happen? At first I agreed this made no sense, as it could lead to a controversy (per Packers fan). But the blocking has been terrible, and he is getting hit more than a malfunctioning piñata that won't open at a block party that forgot the blindfolds. If he did have another knee injury, it would be catastrophic. I would start him, because as others have noted, this appears to be unprecedented (madden said it hurts the integrity of the game), nobody was really thinking of this scenario, how could they have? But from Snyder's perspective, he gets his massive investment protected against an otherwise lost cause end of the season, playing out the string of three meaningless games. It doesn't reflect badly on RGIII (he wants to play) or Snyder, and Shanahan has made himself a lightning rod of controversy and bad will in Washington. And if they are now less likely to win a remaining game, there highest pick (second rounder) will be at worst #34. Also, Snyder gets to rehab his image as a meddling owner (he will be hiring a new HC in a few weeks). Not a lot of downside for Snyder from this perspective? Before when they were in a chess battle increasingly trying to up the ante with a series of moves calculated to embarrass the othe party more (Shanahan's leaks), and though now it may look like Snyder is laying low for questionable reasons (failing to "do the right thing" and fire Shanahan for reasons such as spite and not wanting to give him the satisfaction of what he wants, putting a personal feud ahead of the good team by being cheap and petty and not just coughing up the $7 million)... Snyder has regained control by morphing the game from one of chicken... into one of ju jitsu. He is turning Shanahan's negative energy, force and inertia into a positive, by absorbing and redirecting it against him (gets to protect his investment in a way that RGIII and Snyder are immune from criticism, and Shanahan is front and center in the line of fire of a firestorm of controversy of his own creation). It suits Snyder to allow Shanahan to play the fool a little while longer.

Good rational and would suffice for most situations. The part you have left out is that for the entire season and even more recently, Shanny has stated over n over that the best player will play. Just a week before, he stated this and even talked about it was important for RG3 to get as many reps as possible. Then he says he talked to the owner and GM about pulling RG3 for health concerns a week ago, but plays him in the snow and one of the worst fields in the NFL. As you can see, the reasoning is more than questioned and nobody believes Shanny as his actions are too conflicting with anything he's said at this point.

And that's where I got lost too. If he was worried about his health, why did he play against KC? We were eliminated from the playoffs the previous week and the weather was terrible on probably the worst field in the league.

You're also right that he said he would let RG3 continue to play. So what happened to change his mind so quickly? I'm not terribly pissed about sitting RG3, but the reasoning is stupid and people shouldn't buy into it. Shanahan is so full of crap.

Shanahan is trying to provoke Snyder into firing him. For now, it suits Snyder's purposes to not let Shanahan dictate how the end game goes down, or force him into doing something that is good for Shanahan and bad for Snyder.It has been pretty clear what is going on since the leaked ESPN story broke before the KC game (if not in fact with some even earlier leaks?). WAS insiders and reporters say it isn't possible that he could have emptied his desk without anybody knowing about it. There were also jabs* about a meddling owner coddling a spoiled, privileged QB. Clearly, the source of the leaks weren't coming from Snyder and RGIII. Who does that leave? The person who hoped to throw dirt in the collective eye of the national media, in the hopes of confusing the issue with a feeble, self serving, revisionist history effort to salvage his dwindling reputation, and distract from the fact that he has done absolutely nothing in four years by playing the blame game (albeit in a sneaky, weaselly, disinformation way). In the four years, the only good thing that happened was the improbable 7 game winning streak after a 3-6 start (at which point the genius alienated the vets by uttering the phrase - evaluation mode, speaking of appalling leadership), led by RGIII in one of the best seasons by a rookie QB in league history (in terms of Y/A and lowest INT %), in which he had to beat out the brilliant playoff seasons of Luck and Wilson. RGIII saved Shanahan's bacon last year. Shanahan screwed up by leaving him in harm's way when he was clearly injured in the SEA playoff game, but blames it on RGIII. That is outrageous as anybody could see he was hurt, but no player is going to pull himself, that is the HC responsibility to protect the player from hurting himself. But Shanahan seems to have a pattern of an overactive blaming mechanism. The final salt in the wound is that after RGIII salvaged his incompetence last year, and Shanahan gets him hurt by blaming him or deflecting responsibility (he said he was OK? than why could everybody else in the country EXCEPT THE HC see that clearly wasn't the case?), now he uses him as a pawn in a chess end game/chicken/mexican standoff feud with the owner.

CLASSY!

* the leaked story was an overt jab at Snyder. A more discrete and subtle jab, but still nakedly transparent, is when he states in a recent presser that Snyder "doesn't care about any other positions but QB". He is trying to provoke Snyder into firing him. There is an overwhelming pattern of deceit and disinformation. The shoe fits.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

You don't fire him so he has to suffer. He wants to go right to Houston, so make his ### wait. Also if you fire him now, what does that accomplish? Does he son then call plays that gets his qb killed? Or any other player? My only fear is that these players don't want to be out there, and someone gets hurt bad, for going half ###. This team needs a ton of help, not a little a ton. They need a LG,C,RG,RT 2 Wr's. Dl Lb's Cb's S's and a punter This team is not like the Chiefs, someone is not going to come in here and make them better right away. I dont think there a 4 year fix, but I don't see things better to the end of 15. I don't want Gruden, or any of these other retreads. I want a younger coach that likes to punch people in the face. Like one of the Harbaugh's Maybe they do pursue Zimmer, but for what ever reason he has not been giving a shot. I also would like Danny to start throwing some money at Bill Polian. Give that man a blank check.

 

[Ted Mullins]

I understand there's a lot of losing over the years. I am a cubs fan and empathize. But some of you Washington fans are coming off a little unstable. People in Jacksonville would probably love to have the "mess" you have in Washington with rg3, garçon, jordan reed and Morris. Seems like a heck of a core offense that shanahan has built to me.

People saying he's trying to get fired I don't get. Rg3 needs to be humbled. Based on some of the comments he's made redirecting blame, he's not ready to be a true leader of a franchise. He needs to be coachable.

Like him or not, the shanahan has busted it to try to turn it around. Yeah he needs to bring in new coordinators (kubiak on offense) and add talent on the defense and oline.

The NFC east is no cakewalk with Philly and Dallas and New York. They've played a top half rated in schedule in toughness. If I were Snyder, I'd show some faith in the coach I decided to pay all that money.

There is some truth to this - talent wise, they are not the worst of the worst, although they really are way down there. The thing about the Redskins is that they are consistently not good, plus the addition of the circus atmosphere that always seems to surround the team. Maybe that atmosphere is a lot less prounounced to those who don't really follow them?

As far as Shanny trying to get fired, they could be wrong, but that's pretty much what the whole local media seems to believe - it's not just some people on here saying that. It lines up with most of the other stories that havae come out, and my understanding is that he will get paid the remaining money on his contract if he's fired (and it's not deemed "for cause"), and he won't get paid if he walks away.

 

[dgreen]

Kyle disappointed in RG3 benching

 

[fatness]

Kyle disappointed in RG3 benching

"See, I'm really independent from my dad and have my own opinions! So if you ever need another head coach, I'm an independent guy!"

 

[Ted Mullins]

Kyle disappointed in RG3 benching

Lol, the circus continues. The smart move (and what it sounds like he's doing) for Kyle would be to try to distance himself from this whole mess - his dad can go full on scorched earth and flip everyone the bird on his way out and go back to the big Colorado mansion, but I'd imagine Kyle wants to be in the league for a few more decades.

I have read and heard a lot of talk that much of the tension is centered around Kyle - supposedly he and RG3 have issues, then the perception is that the elder Shanahan takes his son's side and Snyder backs RG3. I completely understand resenting the potential nepotism with the father/son situation, but I feel like some of the anger is misplaced if Kyle is at the center of a lot of the issues - the offense has been disappointing this year but definitely better than the defense and special teams, and the offense was excellent last year.

 

[fatness]

And it could be that Mike’s broader goal is to protect Kyle’s career. By creating a triangle of dysfunction that focuses on quarterback, owner, and coach, Mike helps ensure that the offensive coordinator will survive the mess with his future prospects as an NFL head coach unaffected.

Thursday’s explanation from Kyle cuts against the perception that father and son are fused at the femur. On Wednesday, Mike seemed agitated and inconsistent. Kyle came off as credible and reasonable.

If Mike gets fired this year, it’s unlikely anyone will hire him to serve as head coach. Kyle, on the other hand, could surface in a place like St. Louis, where Mike’s friend Jeff Fisher could need a new offensive coordinator, given the so-so results generated by the son of former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/12/kyle-shanahan-disappointed-by-decision-to-shut-down-griffin/

 

[Ted Mullins]

That makes perfect sense...Mike has taken all of the heat and Kyle is able to avoid the heat. Imagine if St. Louis get's Kyle to go along with the picks they got from the skins

 

[ConnSKINS26]

As a fan but not a fan, I think Shanahan may actually be here next year. If he wasn't fired after a historic ###-kicking during a 10 loss season, he's surviving. This power play is just proof.. Snyder can't afford to throw away money like he used to.

No, Snyder's just concerned with how he's perceived in NFL circles for once. Which is good, because he's coming out of this looking a lot better than Shanahan.

Plus, until last weeks blowout and distracting Shanny-leaks the morning of the game, Snyder hadn't even thought about firing him in-season. So even if he does go that route, he's now had time to actually put a plan together.

 

[valhallan]

I just don't think he's going to throw money away. People seem to be completely ignoring how expensive it would be. Now, I fully believe the story that he's trying to find a way to fire Shanahan with cause, but I don't think he'll succeed.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Just thinking outloud with this one....

Could playing Cousins actually be a smart move? Not as far as wins and loses go but you can't kid yourself-the team is done this season. You guys dont have a 1st round pick so by playing Cousins you could maybe get a decent pick in return if he performs well as well as making sure RG3 is 100% and isnt risking further injury in a year thats lost.

Seems like a LOT of teams need QB's for next year

I think that's a pie-in-the-sky dream, honestly. Cousins has not looked good. With the offensive line collapse this season, especially late this season, he's probably not going to look good. The odds are that his trade value will go down when/if he plays.

Additionally I don't think the Redskins are at all interested in trading him. He was drafted as a second QB. What they'd get for him probably wouldn't exceed what they spent for him -- a 4th round pick --- and then they'll need a backup QB.

With a different head coach and different offensive line and offensive strategy Griffin and Cousins will both look better than they do this year. This year's change in offensive playcalling has been abysmal. Their line can't pass block, and they've been trying to do pocket passing all year. Terrible coaching.

Admittedly I have seen very little of Cousins and it was last season but he looked OK from what I can recall. From what I can tell the following teams look to need QB's this coming year:

Oakland

Cleveland

Houston

Tennessee

Jacksonville

Minnesota

Other teams could need QB's:

Jets

Rams

Cardinals

Bears

TB

If Cousins were to show good poise, arm strength and put up OK #'s I could see one of these teams offering more then a 4 for him IMO

**ETA**

I just wouldnt be shocked if they have this in mind combined with not risking any further injury to RG3 when making this decision.

I think the most anyone would pay for Cousins is a 3rd round pick. He really hasn't done much to show that he is a starting NFL quarterback. He looked good for a game and a few snaps last year. That is it.

@RapSheet: Surveyed 6 GMs to see what #Redskins could get for Kirk Cousins if they traded him: Everyone believes a 2nd, not a 1st. Audition time.