The team's biggest strength right now is the offensive line. The primary offseason goal should be to keep it intact, make it more deep, and begin to make the defensive line equally fierce. I have faith in Andre Carter becoming a force. He showed flashes of beastliness toward the end of the season. But we need more. We need some young, powerful, fast, sturdy guys in the middle to plow through and give opposing teams a headache on a regular basis. You want a ballhawk--all you need to do is free up Taylor and dare I say, Archuleta, with a pass rushing line and the results will come.

Linebackers and CBs are next, although I think a shored up D line will help the CBs more than new blood will. We just need some more depth. I don't think we have too many draft picks, but I'd hope we could get a GM (man I'm asking a lot) and some beastly talent scouts to pull some good depth out of the draft, and if we have to, out of the free agent market. No trades. Just find the guys on other teams who might be in the wrong system who could become real Redskins. Williams' scheme doesn't ask for too much from linebackers, but we're hurting there and could use one or two to compliment what we've already got.

On the offensive side, I'd say, status quo as much as possible with added depth where we can afford to do it. We need depth everywhere and I think another TE, but the D seems to need the most work. That's it from a player standpoint.

Finally, I think there is such a thing as a Saunders/Gibbs hybrid offense and we already saw it. I love how we run run run and then throw the bomb to just keep the opposing team honest and make the running game more successful. We need to keep doing that.

Sorry if I'm sounding too positive to many of you, but I really think the Skins have got more going for them than some of us may think. In my mind, the lack of continuity on both sides of the ball hurt the skins more than anything at the beginning of the year and the team never caught up. The fact is, the Skins should have no problem beating any team next year with a few minor tweaks (maybe a little more major on the D line) and that's it.

In order:

1. Continuity
2. More talent on the D line
3. Depth

"Post-mortems. Go back over the season, pick a game, and talk about it again in the larger context of the whole season."

Good god, man, that's like asking a guy to pass another kidney stone! But here goes:

The Rams game. They ran....a lot. They passed....a lot. Sean Taylor wiffed....a lot. They scored...a lot. We scored...our guts out. We pre-gamed our guts out.....We national anthemed our guts out...We showered our guts out...Nobody drank out of a Gatorade cup harder than that group of guys in Burgundy and Gold...even though we lost, we'd go anywhere with that group of guys (except maybe to a football game!)....

Seriously, the offense displayed definite improvement, while the defense continued its freefall. JC will continue to improve. Stick with the run, fire the coaching staff, find a GM, and then get some hard-working players on defense. Not stars, just blue-collar hitters. And if they so much as even think about a flea-flicker or gadget play when they're pounding away, they need to be lined up at midfield to receive noogies from the fans as they file by.

I am...Caron Butler

With the wiz looking so good, I've ALMOST forgotten about the Titans, Falcons, Vikings, and Bucs games! Alas, unless the Bullets go for 10 straight, I fear the breakfast menu still consists of Tiki runs, Burnt Toast, Arch Karai over easy, and my fav - back peddling russian roullete.

can't wait till Sept.

PG

Good article DC

We shouldn't waste time on a team that doesn't care.

We should tald about Gilbert Arenas. Did you see him shoot and walk away before he sank that? Ridiculous. Ridiculous.

You go, Gil Arenas! And Caron Butler! At least we have a few exciting players on our NBA team....

nyskinsfan, my thoughts completely. [are you me?] The (reasonable) fear that everyone here has is that the Snyder will re-purge ... he's a financial bulemic when it comes to the Skins. I think THIS team can win next year (with MINOR tweaks). Continuity. Chemistry. We don't have alot of draft picks or cap space, but I think we only need think replacement starter at CB (opposite Double Move) and DE. Depth is the word. On the O-line, we have keepers in Pucillo and Wade. Keep them off the FA market. Backup TE? Yoder. Keep him off the FA market. Strong safety? Time for Prioleau and Doughty to ripen into big play ball hawks. Archuleta? Back to LB. A monster WR would be nice. For all his griping about interference last night in the Sugar Bowl, I could see someone like Samardzija filling a need for us.

Montana Skins Fan, the blip of excitement for me was the Panthers game, Week 12. Julius Peppers returns to the lineup and we cram the run down his throat. We shut down the passing game. Vernon Fox starts (replacing AA) and ends the first Panthers possession with the season's FIRST pick. Sean Taylor ends the game with a pick. It was BEAUTIFUL. The Skins, now 4-7, theoretically CAN make the playoffs if they run the table. [In hindsight, the Gnats did it with 8-8.] Our pass defense problem is solved. Much rejoicing.

There is a guy in the bar where I drink who called this game the "Dead Cat Bounce." He used to work on the Mercantile Exchange in Chicago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_cat_bounce

I view the Skins 2006 seasons in 3 phases:

I Brunell
II Campbell in transition
III Campbell

IMO, phase I was a very difficult product to watch. Outside of the Texans game where Brunell played unusually well, the Skins were not an offensive threat nor a defensive powerhouse. Game after game, you would wonder when the Skins would find their offensive identity and when the defense would wake up and start playing as they had the past 2 seasons. I remember thinking it was only a matter of time for the defense. Boy was I wrong.

Phase II gave us hope. With Brunell out, we finally got a QB who could deliver the ball downfield. I hate to bash Brunell because he has done much of what the Skins asked him to do (manage games, limit turnovers). However, successful Redskins QBs have never fit this mold. Thiesmann, Rypien, Williams were all QBs who all had success as risk takers who could deliver the ball down the field when required. Campbell gives us a QB who fits that mold. We don't want a short pass specialist, we want a QB who can break the game open with big plays. That's Campbell. Too bad the defense was still broken and it was only going to get worse.

Phase III was good in that Campbell showed us much of what we wanted, but the Redskins defense melted down further and became a huge liability. When you can't stop anyone or create turnovers, you cannot win. Many teams try to win without defense (Indy, Martz Rams, Broncos), but inevitably these teams play a game in the playoffs where there offense is stopped and their horrible defense get stomped. When the Redskins defense fell apart in phase III, all the progress of the offense (special teams, offensive coaching, Betts, Campbell) was buried under the inadequacy of the defense. It is clear to see when the defense plays to NFL level (see Panther, Saints games), the Skins can compete. We need more games like the Saints, Panthers, Eagles II, and Cowboys II. The Skins cannot tolerate games like the Rams and Giants II where too many yards, too many points, and too few turnovers are produced by the defense.

I continue to stand by statements I have been making since the beginning of the season. The Skins must start with defense. Build a sturdy defense first. From the last 2 years, I was sure the Skins had that already. Count me among the shocked to find out they didn't.

I believe that Saunders and Gibbs will figure out the right stuff for the offense. The right ingredients are there. I am even more optimistic about this now that Campbell is the QB. I believe Campbell can learn the Saunders system. There is more than enough talent in the offense to be competitive and exciting to watch. Moss, ARE, and Cooley are bona fide threats (the book is still open on Lloyd). I believe they can become what Clark, Sanders, and Warren were in the past with the right QB and the right opportunities. Portis and Betts are the 1-2 punch in the backfield that will keep defenses guessing.

Organizationally, I hope the Skins can get things fixed with as little turmoil as possible. Last off-season seems to have created a lot of instability in the team. Winning will help erase many of these bad memories. People will forgive a lot when you are having success. I believe the Redskins has more right than wrong. Fix what is obviously broken (did I mention defense?).

Hail Redskins!

P.S. Brunell announced a need for shoulder surgery this week? This sounds a lot like 2004 when Brunell played injured and the Skins struggled while he was not 100%. Could this be part of why 2006 started so badly? Makes you wonder. I admire guts and determination in players, but when injuries hurt teams, it is wrong to continue playing when the first order of business should be to get healthy.

Lisa there is a site that you can get supplements from at a very good discount.

http://www.fitnessone.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=131&osCsid=818a33b72dd271f684a4a856d1d2e0f5

Work is crazy today. I will try to catch up during lunch.

dcsween, in Megskins 46 defense Guest Blog, she dug up some old quotes about Credence Pondwater.

I'm offering up 5 TCCLs for the 1st Guest Blogger that gets NEW quotes from someone we care about (i.e. not your mom). That's right, a primary source -- just like actual reporting. 5 TCCLs is your for the taking!!

That's some good guest blogging

Dudes and non-dudes, you know it's depressing like a goulag prison when you are talking about your off-season moves during the season. 3 NFC east teams are in the playoffs. You can find out more on my website, thereisnogod.net.

I came up with several draft scenarios because I don't do constructive things at work. A couple of my scenarios had Calvin 'oh my god that dude is so tight' Johnson falling to us at 6. So many teams behind us (Atlanta comes to mind) covet this specimen that we could potentially do something very un-Redskins...trade back and acquire more picks...i'll wait...nothing? It's not snowing in hell?

Nevermind.

Skinz, the best part about that whole thing was him eerily taking his time walking up the court. I'm so psyched we have that young man. I love Gilbert like I love my best friend from elementary school. Caron is like my college buddy, he's new but you feel really close to him right away.

In the off-season, I see it as my job to make comments and share matters of amusement. I am not sure if anyone has already posted this, apologies if they have but I find so much humor in this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3DtKMEO9N0

Safe for work. You have to listen with sound.

And DCsween, I'm not scared to say it, I love you all except for Pub Golf...he and I are just not there yet...but we will get there...it just takes time.

As I look back on this season, I remember discussions with my softball buddies, who are all Pats fans but rational good observers of football. As we talked about the prospects of our teams for the season, they all would say you can't go anywhere with MB as your QB and I would feebly try and explain that we would run the ball play great D and Brunell would manage the game and not make mistakes. I really never believed, it was more of hope. Preseason told me that this season was going to be a disaster. You simply can't look that non competitive and turn it on once the season starts. I thought the same thing under Marty we were totally inept lead by totally inept QB's, just awful.Preseason is not about winning but you have to sharp and at times be competitive especilly when you starters are on the field. You know what I mean, look like a NFL team and if your scrubs blow the game in the 4th quarter its ok. That wasn't us.
All that being said, I didn't see a complete colapse on D,MB played as predicted etc. etc.no need to rehash every detail 5-11 over.
The silver linning is we really kind of needed this, because we never, except at the begining of the Norv Error were at rock bottom. Most years 7-9 8-8 9-7 6-10 type teams that were mediorce and flawed but left the impression that we were only a few "players away" I think we are now at rock bottom, but not without hope. We have an idenity on offense, the most talented young QB since Stan Humphries, but all the perception of we are close or Joe will come in and fix it right away are now gone
Joe has been here 3 years and I truley believe he knows that his mission now is firmly put us on track to being a competitive team year in year out and get us from being a laughing stock nationaly.The way the league is now if have a good young QB, good running game and play decent D you'll be 9-7 or so and because you are building around a good young QB you have realistic reason to feel good about each upcomming year and not blind optimisum based soley spending sprees from Feb to Aug.

Thanks, jm220, I will check it out

dcsween, Wade does not want to stay....he wants to be a starter somewhere.

10:04am, on your p.s., I just read (can remember where) that Brunell injured his throwing shoulder in Giants I. Early on in this season, I remember thinking that Brunell was stubborn about fessing up to his own injuries (see fadeaway of previous season in the playoffs). [Same thing with Springs ... why didn't he get the surgery after the playoffs?]

Lisa, I know Wade WANTS to be a starter, so there is not too much question he will shop himself (based on one excellent game film showing that he's back), and I'm not suggesting paying him starter money, but I think the Skins should be ready to match whatever he gets offered anywhere else (maybe as one year guaranteed money, kick out clause for injury), and then hope that between Jansen, Samuels, and he all remain healthy. This will be the 8th year in the league for he and Jansen, and the 7th for Samuels. This is what I mean about taking depth seriously. I'm just saying don't let him go; he has learned the offense AND performed.

I have this same thought about DE. I think Carter can/should start, but I think Daniels (11th season coming up) may need to become the #3 DE, with a younger guy added through FA, the draft, or trade. [Evans, Wynn, and Sykes battle for one spot ... Evans or Sykes battle for the #2 spot too.]

DCSween:

Are you crazy? NO MORE WRs! Lloyd, Santana, Randle El. All quality and no need.

We need secondary defense and defensive pressure up front. Andre Carter took 12 games to warm up so he might be salvageable for next year. I know Springs has been hurt but when he has played I have been disappointed--we need CB help and depth. How many 3rd and longs did we give up on defense this year? How many in the 4th quarter? Partly Secondary to blame, mostly lack of QB pressure.

Also our Red Zone Offense was weak as well in the tail end of the season so I am not so sold on the greatness of our O-Line. This is another coaching issue as well (likely Gibbs) and an inability of Campbell to find WRs in the end zone. Too often he relies on TE and Backs. Better schemes please Saunders!!!

All that being said, our biggest problem this year has been penalties!!!! That is a Gibbs, Williams and Saunders issue. (FYI anyone notice how much better the Skins played after the Williams outburst controversy?) Penalties have been an Achilles heel for the past two years but amplified this year for the Skins. Correct those and we might be in a different situation now.

If they can't get a stud DE (something they haven't had since Mann/Manley were in their prime) they should get a top DT to give them a rotation with Golston and Griffin (who's not getting any younger). How many times did we hear Gibbs say that they wanted to run the ball and stop the run? Well they proved they could run it. Stop it? Not so much.

Great DEs rarely show up in free agency. It's a premium position. You have to draft them. And you have to use a 1st round pick.

Peep this from ESPN...sorry, but bout all the Wiz hype it IS the offseason:

The Wizards took a lighthearted approach to the return of the old ball. A video montage shown between the first and second quarters showed the microfiber ball exploding like the Death Star -- accompanied by the "Star Wars" theme music. Then the leather ball was shown getting out of bed, crossing a street, getting into a cab, punching some meat in a meat locker and victoriously climbing the steps of the Lincoln Memorial -- all to the theme from "Rocky."

gold.

AMTTS and LaRon Landy fans, we need ball hawking CBs, not another free safety. If we need to replicate the Reaper, then LaRon Landry.

Personally, I think my guy (who should be available in the second round if we trade down for late 1st and 2nd rounds) is Aaron Ross of Texas. Admittedly, he is doomed by winning the Jim Thorpe Award (which Double Move also won), but he played great in the Alamo Bowl.

For the important stat, see this:

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/stats/bycategory?cat=Defense&sort=101&conference=I-A_all&year=2006

Also, on JaMarcus Russell's play last night; I think he did to Brady Quinn what Vince Young did to Leinart in the Rose Bowl.

Gibbs must be in the process of making some significant decisions -- he hasn't even had time to post a new Spiritual Game Plan this week:

We wanted to let you know that this week's Spiritual Game Plan will not be available on the web until tomorrow, January 5th. We apologize for the delay.

God Bless,
The Joe Gibbs Online Team
http://www.joegibbsonline.com

skinswest, google Alan Branch (Michigan). He might be the DT you are talking about. That would probably require using the #6 pick, which means we get essentially one draft choice for high quality. I think we need to trade down for more early round picks.

JokeIsOnYou, I question that you put Lloyd so close to the word quality. My problem with Lloyd is not route running and impressive preseason acrobatics. My concern about Lloyd is the same one I have with Betts ... holding on to the ball. Lloyd had some key downfield blocks this season ... maybe add about 40 pounds and give him a try at TE. I'm just saying we need a new #3 WR, or at least some competition. Patten is done. Espy has promise. Thrash is clutch. [Question: why were those last two passes in the Gnats game thrown to Patten and not Thrash? Was that just to make it easier to have the inevitable conversation with Patten?]

Joe K- did I really just see Lloyd and 'quality' in the same sentence?

Gdam*it Leroy!!

W/R to the name: How 'bout Red Skin Potatoes? The mascot could be a Mr. Potato Head profile with feathers.

ummmmm what is steve b talking about when he posted this last night: Any idea's what Danny and Gibbs got heated about?

dcsween - I didn't have a particular player in mind to draft just said what I think they need. I don't disagree with you about trading down - just don't have a whole lot of faith in those making the selections.

My two cents on name change: Red Wolves

Thrash should get more balls thrown his way. We would've had a better chance of winning vs the gints had he been the #3 receiver and not David 'annual reception' Patten.

Did anyone hear about the skins fans that pelted the Giants with lemons as they boarded their chartered train after the game? Struck me as out of character but I guess 5-11 brings out the worse.

Two deaf people get married. During the first week of marriage, they find that they are unable to communicate in the bedroom when they turn off the lights because they can't see each other using sign language. After several nights of fumbling around and misunderstandings, the wife decides to find a solution.

"Honey," she signs, "Why don't we agree on some simple signals? For instance, at night, if you want to have sex with me, reach over and squeeze my left breast one time. If you don't want to have sex, reach over and squeeze my right breast one time."

The husband thinks this is a great idea and signs back to his wife, "Great idea, Now if you want to have sex with ME, reach over and pull on my penis one time. If you don't want to have sex, reach over and pull on my penis 50 times."

Kiper's updated big board from 6-8 which means nothing today, but since we've got nothing to look forward to but the draft I figured I'd throw it out there:

6. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1½, 205)
Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career. Landry lead LSU with 42 solo tackles.

7. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St. (6-3, 297)
Run-stuffing dynamo who does a great job of clogging the interior.

8. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298)
You just don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker.

Name change only if forced too by supreme court decsion. Suggestion Red Warriors.

dealer, I dunno, but I have the same beg to people who did listen to Riggo last night.

Think about this though. Lets say $nyder, who supposedly does not read Big Media, reads Don Banks on SI.com who gives his run down on what every team needs to do to make it back next year. On the Skins, Banks only talks about getting a GM and trading Portis. As team president, St. Joe effectively is the GM, or at least has that hiring/firing authority. [If they do hire a GM, what IS left for St. Joe to do, other than the super smart pressers?] The bigger problem, if $nyder presses the point, is an actual GM decision ... trading Portis. St. Joe is 100% behind his deputy GM (Portis) regardless of any friction CP has with Saunders. Gibbs would LOVE a two RB running game. Touching Portis would ruin that (and leave us stranded with Betts alone, maybe Duckett, but so what?). THAT seems like something that could get REAL heated. [That or maybe firing Coy Gibbs.]

That's my boy Quinn! He and I plan on jumping into the horseless carriage for some shopping at Barney's prior to draft day.

"Spiritual Gameplan". Hmmmmm.

I always liked the "Washington Red Tape". We could even have as our mascot, "Filibuster", the costumed timeout.

The existing name is horrible.

can I hire a coordinator to draw up my spiritual game plans? They're in need of some trickery.

My spiritual gameplan always involves end arounds.

Cuts (I would say trade, but I don't think anyone other than Vinny C would trade for these duds): Lloyd, Brunell, Duckett, Fauria, Archuletta, Wynn, Wright, Fox, Holdman, Frost

Resign: Dockery

Free Agents: CB(Nate Clements), SS (Dieon Grant), WR (Jerry Porter or any available possession WR), MLB (anyone with size), P (some old vet)

Draft: DE (either the one from Clemson or Georgia, which ever is available at pick #6 in April)

Depth: Get bargain basement 'talent' at DL and blocking TE thru the late draft picks and FAs

Playbooks: Have Gibbs go through the 700 page playbook of Saunders and tear out any plays that do not represent 'Redskins football'
Lock double-g in a room until he fixes the problems with cover-2

That should fix the major problems, with the biggest risk being Shushiam as kicker... but if he struggles during the preseason you can usually bring in another kicker late

aah- the old 'burning bush reverse'

Name change:

Red Tide
Marketing line - Catch the Red Tide. Our play's infectious!

I assume the spiritual game plan website is an joke/spoof, right? I mean, it really looks real....

http://www.joegibbsonline.com/

If it is real - not only is it offensive to me to have a coach who is basically using his position to prosteletize (sp?), but we need a coach who is desparate to win, not one who puts everything in such deep religious perspective. He's done.

For his Spiritual Game Plan, I heard Gibbs has Moses, the prophet Muhammad, Pope Benedict, Buddah, and Lord Vishnu as his associate head coach assistants

New team name: Washington Registered Trademarks. That way we can go back to the old 'R' helmets and Dan can threaten to sue anyone who uses the name.

Also, am I the only one who is becoming annoyed with announcers calling end-arounds 'reverses' and reverses 'double-reverses'? They actually got it right in our game this week but that's the first time I've heard it called correctly all season. And I have the NFL ticket so it's not just Skins games. TK even screwed it up on MNF early in the season. I thought we taught him well.

sadly, I think it's genuine. He's preaching his guts out.

I don't know how anyone could even possible muse the idea of trading Portis. The only actually memorable time in these past three years is pretty much attributed to Clinton. Remember all the way back in 2005? Who was the maniac who got dressed up, made us all look forward to Thursdays, and then would crush the opposing team's defense? Clinton, that's who. And I guarentee when the game is on the line, he wont fumble, unlike Ladell "Slippy Fingers" Betts, who fumbled not once, not twice, but three critical times. Clinton is the soul and attidude of the team when he is out there. He is a real character and very charismatic, kinda like that old guy Riggins from the 80's. Oh yea, and he has modified the Skins uniform 2 times already, basically by himself. He can be the face of the Redskins for years, and he has something Ladell doesn't...the superstar factor. Betts is respectable and sometimes durable, but he is not a superstar. If we traded Portis, we would take a huge cap hit, alienate more veterans in the locker room, and lose our identity. Portis needs to stay!!!

Team Name: The Red States (A broad but more targeted appeal then "Americas Team"

Tagline: Ready to go to War!
Alt Tag: TD Efforts will Not be Aborted!

Before this post, I didn't know about joegibbsonline. After looking at it, I'm not much bothered. He doesn't seem to be proselitizing (sp?). He doesn't hold himself out as better than others. First Amendment freedom of religion, freedom of speech (internet). With high blood pressure and diabetes, I hope he does something to manage his stress.

In the post-game on Gerald Ford's funeral, there was something about him being religious, but secretly so because he didn't want people to think he thought he was better than them. I liked that about him. Gerald Ford helped the country heal after an illegitimate war and a potentially criminal Presidency. We need another Gerald Ford NOW.

New name: Warriors. The WW thing works for the Wizards. (Gilbert Arenas has a cousin who plays football for Alabama...I'm not saying, I'm just saying).

The name has a nice flow and we can keep the uniform theme, but go back to the Spear Helmets and Dark Burgundy uniforms.

Macaca - I totally agree. And I don't know if you meant to spell it that way, but I am referring to Portis as "The Attidude" from now on. That's classic!

Odd how my parents probably thought Ford and Goldwater were right-wing nutcases but now I look upon them as pillars of centrist government.

I wonder if I should develop a Spiritual Gameplan now, in the event that today's right-wing nutcases become "centrists" when I'm old, incontinent, and in need of a Viagra-Cialis cocktail.

Heh heh, I said cocktail.

Ford was a center (All American no doubt) and his wife a junkie, neither of which this team needs right now. I also believe he was on steroids.

To Clarify---The Steroids were to aid in his heath treatments as a 90+ year old but still...

Actually, if you ask me, what this team needs is a personality. It's all vanilla ice cream over. We need to mix in some pistachio and maybe even some Cherry Garcia.

You know, St. Joe may be insane and old, but the dude still knows football. In 2005, he knew he had three great players on his offense (Portis, Moss, Cooley). So, what does he do? He gives it to Portis, Moss, and Cooley. Every single game, it was one of a combination of those three guys who did the gut check and pulled it out. And, when in doubt or when struggling? Give it to Portis.

This year? Insanity. Motions, shifts, rinky dinks. Insane.

Diddy- I like your plan for a spiritual game plan. One day we'll long for the progressive, level-headed vision of Bush 43.

McSween-

Certainly he has a constitutional right to do http://www.joegibbsonline.com/. The question, though, is - is it appropriate?

As coach of the Redskins, he is, for better or worse, representing the hopes of many many DC area fans, many of whom (like me) do not share his religious beliefs, and many of whom (like me) are offended by such a public display of religion, which should be personal and private.

Dan Snyder can hire anyone he wants to be coach of the Redskins... it is his constitutional right. But, if the person he hires wears his religion on his sleave in this way, it is bound to offend a substantial fraction of the fan base. No other Redskins coach could EVER get away with having such a religion-based website. It would offend too many fans. By having such a website, Joe Gibbs is basically exploiting the goodwill generated by his past successes to get away with a terribly innapropriate public display of religious zeal.

Jeff Hayes, it's all Tiki's fault.

Damn you Tiki!

anyone else read Diddy's post as "it's all vanilla ice" and then start having flashbacks?

nah, it's not Tiki's fault. i blame Tom Cruise.

Everything is Tiki's fault! I have blammed everything bad that has happened since Saturday on Tiki and I will continue to do so!

vanilla the bad nu metal years? or vanilla the bad caucasian rap years?

>>> "for better or worse, representing the hopes of many many DC area fans"

Uh, I sincerely hope that 'DC area fans' aren't placing their 'hopes' in a professional football team. If so, those folks need a wee bit of a reality check.

What he represents is a big part of the weekend entertainment value of most DC area residents. Or at least, the ones that haven't tuned out after 15 years of incompetence.

Damn you Tom Cruise!

P Diddy, the vanilla ice character would be Adam Archuleta. The personality we need is, without question, the Domino's Fudg-ems thing.

But I do think the Skins have a personality.
No question about Moss-Cooley-Portis being the bedrock of production. Portis' charisma, plus his part in the bedrock, make him the voice of the Skins personality (or, at least, what it should be). Those three guys really are the personality. Moss and Cooley, when they do talk, are always soft spoken and win-focused. No jibber jabber (a la Shockey, T.O., Chad Johnson). I love the fact that we don't have a loudmouth receiver (accepting that Lloyd is on a probationary status).

Diddy That was the Brunell version of of the saunders gibbs offense the 2% of the playbook was all MB was comforable with. Notice how when JC took over the wide reciever screen (a brunell staple) was basically removed from the offense. Portis was never close 100%, he is still the man and I think he will play angry next year to prove it.

that was me diddy.

None of this season was my fault.

Don't get me wrong, I adore Portis. Love him to death. I also love Moss and, of course, I have a man-crush on Cooley because that dude is just plain cool.

I also have nothing at all against Weird Al. He is a proven winner, and Portis will shut his trap when he shows up for mini camp and be the professional he has always been. I put no credence in what is said now because it is nothing more than good venting over a massively frustrating season.

All of that said, the number one element of every offensive gameplan has to be "Give it to Portis". When you're struggling, give it to Portis. 1 yard gain? Fine, at least the little guy will smack a safety in the mouth on the way down.

I am at a loss to explain this "trade Portis" sentiment. I mean, wha??? The little guy has proven he will do anything to win.

Damn you, John Madden!

Ohmigod, I'm a parent and all I have to say is what I say to other parents who complain about too much sex and violence (and excessive marketing to children) on television ... don't watch it ... turn it off. I didn't know about joegibbsonline.com until this morning. It wasn't a particularly "public display" to me. Its not like he's John Ashcroft. This is not government. Football is leisure.

I like Joe Gibbs. Sounds like he has something that keeps his boat afloat. To think that religion or spirituality doesn't affect the life of football professionals (players included) is silly. Its one thing to take away the steriods, its another thing to take away the other opiate.

This is addressed to "If I were a GM" regarding your post on cuts:

Wynn and Fox are NOT duds! Wynn is a total team player who accepted his position as back up with a lot of class. He is a stand up guy and it ticks me off to hear him called a "dud." As for Fox, he is an amazing special teams player.....you are so off base with those two.

As to JoeGibbsOnline.com, it is my understanding that he created this website in order to stay in touch with the outside world and his spirtual side since his life has been consumed by football. The site has nothing to do with football and is about Gibbs as a person. There is nothing wrong with this and for those of you who have a problem with it...get real.

Rumors are swirling that Dan Henning (OC-Panthers; OC for Gibbs for 2 Super Bowls) will be fired.

Wierd Al out, Dan Henning in?

definitely Cruise's fault. He brought loads of thetans into Fed Ex with him opening night....Xenu's wrath coming down hard on the skins....need spiritual game plan from St Joe to fight off Scientological demons...

Time for me to finally speak out:

Damn you Al Saunders and Greg Williams! Joe can still do no wrong in my eyes, he's my boyhood idol!

If Clinton had allowed me to heal him then you would have had him all season. Silly heathens.

Ethan, as always, if you are caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge. This message will self-destruct.

On a related note, they never tell you in "Mission: Impossible" who the IMF works for, only that the "Secretary" will disavow all knowledge.

I wonder if it's the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of State. Seems they've both disavowed all knowledge of late...

ohmigod,

Don't you think that with a name like the Redskins that you would be assured of offending a substantial portion of your fan base?

I am not an especially religious person, but I have a deep respect for people who are not afraid to show their faith or lack of faith.

Joe Gibbs has never kept his religion a secret, nor should he. He was just as religious in his first go around with the Redskins, there was just no internet so there was no web site.

If you have had the opportunity to meet him, you will know that he is not one to push his beliefs on anyone. However if the subject comes up, he will glady share his point of view.

When you are viewing his personal website, you are basically asking him what he's all about and he's telling you. It is up to you to ask again or not.

Being deeply religious has nothing to do with your will to win or compete at the highest level. Just look at Darrell Green, David Robinson, Tony Dungy, etc...

now if you don't mind, i have to get back to choir practice :)

Well said, etrod. I personally ignore all the religiosity in the air these days, but I also don't find it offensive. It's just not for me, just like the TV shows and movies I watch are probably not for them.

Don't like it, don't watch it.

Sup Guys/Gals........

I know I am late on this, but....

The article yeasterday about GG was pretty good and I kinda like him more now than I did before. Did anyone else feel this? He def needs to stay around.

Les/JLaC/Howard - ENOUGH WITH THESE DAG-GONE ANNONOMOUS SOURCES!! I'm TIRED OF IT.

Why is it you can only directly qoute from people that have good things to say about him?!?!? Like CP Said - WE NEED TO BE MEN ON THIS. BE YOUR OWN MAN AND SAY 'YEAH, I SAID IT?'

Also - I side bar - I believe I was one of the few people who thaught it was Archibingus, and he was called out in the article as being 'Deep Cover'.....

The Impossible Mission Force is now an independant entity. We answer to no one. We do have lots of secretaries at VDOT though!

P Diddy --

I agree a thousand times over on Portis. How quickly we forget how friggin good he is. On the list of why this season was lost, Portis' injury is right behind the collapse of the defense. Betts is a nice running back. But he is no Clinton Portis. Clinton is a leader, a tough SOB, a great blocker, a threat to take it to the house on every play and under-utilized as a pass catcher. Betts has a nack for putting the ball on the turf at inopportune times.

I agree with Lisa- Wynn is locker room gold and we should def hang onto Fox as he made some plays down the stretch.

I don't think there's anything wrong with Gibbs' site...it's his right. But, I'm not really a fan of outwardly expressing one's religious beliefs. If something is sacred to you, you shouldn't have to peddle it to others. Also, 'spiritual gameplan'?? How corny can you get?

It's just Gibbs being Gibbs. That's the way he works up here.

also...for those pushing the Portis trade...are you nuts?!!

Hey, as long as your Spiritual Gameplan includes plenty of split ends and end arounds, I'm all for it. I'm also quite fond of the hook and ladder and Statue of Liberty. Seems to work every time.

dcsween, I listened to a piece about President Ford on the history channel the other day. When he pardoned Nixon for Watergate, which was somewhat scandalous at the time, he said in his speech that his reasoning was that God asks us to forgive each other in the way that He forgives us.

I was only around for 1 year of his administration, so I thought it was interesting to note that other presidents spoke of faith (and in this case quoted the Bible) as much as President Bush. However, I believe the audience is certainly more sensitive to perceived proselytizing now than in the mid 70s.

This hyper-sensitivity is demonstrated by those who criticize Joe Gibbs and feign offense because he talks about his struggles on HIS OWN website and puts them within the perspective of his faith.

don't forget the 'walk on water run blitz'

We here at the IMF would like to trade for Portis. He really fights his guts out and is a true master of disguise. Of course he'll have to learn how to rappel and shoot a gun but I don't see that as an untrainable problem.

We'll give you Luther Stickell as compensation: he's super smart and knows how to use computers. This can only be an advantage, think of it as an "upgrade" for Holdman.

Sign Nate Clements.
Draft Alan Branch, Gaines Adams or Leon Hall.

Move Springs to safety is Clements if acquired.

You guys are crazy for chastising Gibbs website. There is nothing wrong with it. This man does great things. Did you see the Fox Sunday Morning Political Show when they did a piece on Gibbs and the Christian Based School he made for trouble teens in VA? That was awsome. All this is done during his off time.

As long as he dosen't intrude on someone, this is all fair game. I wish it was a Muslim/Jew/Buddist type Gibbs that would do the same. Oh wait, there is, but they are just not head coaches in the NFL

I think Gibbs is also a republican, but I'd still follow him to the end of the earth.

PS - not a republican.

We are all over the map today. Which is fun.

Gibbs has always been deeply religious, it's the center of who he is. And we love who he is. But he's never said anything which I considered proselytizing in any context as coach. He talks football and other topics. Good for him if he's using his high profile to advance his other interests. Any of us would be silly not to do the same, had we the same high profile.

The team mascot has to change, and it will change. Danny quietly bought the rights to the name "Washington Warriors" a few years back under the pretense of potentially landing an Arena League team. But everyone knew that he wanted full control over that name, for when the time comes to change it. Come on, the name Redskins is ridiculously insensitive, and there is no justification for it, none whatsoever.

And don't worry, they will still the old-school hats with the curly R, they will always sell them, but when the mascot changes they will triple in price and become authentic replica throwback lids.

There are exceptions to religious beliefs affecting your on-field performance. (See Pedro Cerrano in Major League 2)

re: joegibbsonline. i'm not of that religion. i don't believe in that religion. i don't believe in religion (period). i think religion is bad for a lot of reasons.

HOWEVA, i do know that a LOT of humanity finds comfort in religion. and religion helps them do good deeds. joe gibbs is the type of person that needed religion as a guide to life. and like most born agains (of all faiths, christains, jews, islam, hindus, sikhs, bhudists...) he LOVES his religion. and he's really eager to share it with everyone, the "truth" he's found in his life.

and it's actually his religion to spread the "word of god". so to mock/criticize his web site you're infact criticizing his religious beliefs. and even for someone who doesn't like religion like myself i think it's not right to do that. because i feel like you'd mock me too if i was preaching the religion of no religion. dig?

so let's just show some openness, acceptance and show some respect to someone else's religion.

**ck you Jobu! I do it myself.

Leroy: "At least I have chicken."??

4th, excellent point about the school for boys which Gibbs has run for many years. A real charity undertaking, doing good work and helping people. That I think is the primary expression of Gibbs' faith, good works. You can also think of Jimmy Carter and his post-presidential promotion of Habitat for Humanity and other terrific causes. How can you fault someone's religiosity if it's the font of legitimate good works that really help people in need?

Tolerance now, yo!

BTW - Anthony "Goose" Edwards just emailed me to say it is indeed Tom Cruise's fault but that it all started with that flat spin back in '86...

Tower, this is Ghost rider requesting a flyby.

Joe is fulfilling his Christian duties of being a "prophet", a "priest" and a "king", on earth. As prophet he speaks to men about God; as a priest he talks to God about men; and he has shown himself to live on earth with the "dignity" of a King, with the love, joy, and peace of Jesus, that nobody and nothing can take away... with the "dignity" of a child of God. People who are bothered shouldn't visit the site.

and ICE MAN e-mailed me and said tom cruise can be his wingman anytime

That is a negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Like some of you but by no means all, I believe the cupboard is half full. A few key pickups and we're good to go. My wish list for the player acquisition season, in descending order of need:

#1 starting cornerback
Starting strong safety*
Offensive line depth
Defensive tackle depth
Secondary depth
Linebacker depth
Defensive end depth
Tight end depth

* If someone already on the roster emerges as a starting strong safety, that's okay with me.

dealer - i thought Danny was Cruise's new wing man.

Religion in sports? It can't be! Tell me it isn't so!

What I like the best is when any player makes a play and then points to the sky afterward, as if to say, "Oh, thank you, God, for helping me make that great catch, and for making all those other schmucks fall down down so they couldn't catch me in time!"

What I like second-best is that during interviews after a game, no one on the losing team thanks God for anything.

Back to Football.....

Portis - Untradeable. I believe we should have a Blaw to banish Portis trade talks.

Wade - Cut Jansen and sign Wade for less money. He panned out good for me in Madden '07 :-).

Fox - Resign on the cheap.

Frost - Resign

Holdman - Sign him for the Vet min if he is liked in the locker room.

Lloyd & Archibingus - Have Dan Snyder call them an threaten if they don't do better, we will keep them for the remainder of their contracts (atleast 2-3 more years) and have them sit at home and watch the games on 60" PLasma Screen (in HD, of course).

Randle-El - Turn him into the 3rd WR and 3rd QB.

Springs - Take a small paycut and play Safety/3rd CB.

Clements - DO NOT SIGN. Draft a get someone like D. Wills (RIP).

6th Pick in the Draft - From yesterday's performance, Brady Quinn will still be available at this spot. Trade down with another team that wants him and add more youth.

Anybody want to join me/take me on in a point-counterpoint guest blog on changing the Redskins name? I'll take either side. Say we take about a month to hammer it out?

Like some of you but by no means all, I believe the cupboard is half full. A few key pickups and we're good to go. My wish list for the player acquisition season, in descending order of need:

#1 starting cornerback
Starting strong safety*
Offensive line depth
Defensive tackle depth
Secondary depth
Linebacker depth
Defensive end depth
Tight end depth

* If someone already on the roster emerges as a starting strong safety, that's okay with me.

Posted by: Nate in the PDX | January 4, 2007 01:45 PM

Nate: i love you man, but you got to be kidding about linebacker depth. . .

we need a couple of starting LBs and really, really need a real MLB. . .

My Draft shopping list . . .

#1 need is pass rushing DE
#2 need is a real MLB
#3 need is CB in the secondary - assuming we can either keep springs or replace him w/ a FA. (if we can get a pass rush, ,everyone back there automatically looks better)

#4 depth across the board on defense

I will be very disappointed if we do not keep dock and Pucillo/Wade.

I will be very disappointed if we use FA to do something other than replace springs if he decides to go. . .

Iceman told me the same thing, then tried to bite my face.

New franchise name -

The Washington Wasps

Float like Brandon Lloyd and Sting like Sean Taylor.

4th- I second the blaw

God scores all touchdowns. I nailed my deadline at work today and pointed to the sky. The big man hooked me up.

8k, I just don't think we're going to have a chance to remake the entire linebacking corps this offseason. I don't like the situation back there either, but I have a feeling Grilliams likes those dudes. Hell, he picked Lemar over Pierce and Holdman over LaVar, right? Just hoping Marcus comes back strong and Rocky is given a chance to start next year.

The Washington Weebles - cause Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

Does anyone else think that Holdman might not suck as much in the middle?

dealer - i thought Danny was Cruise's new wing man.

you know you're on this blog too much when you can predict word for word what the response to your comment's gonna be. :)

you read my f-ing mind cc! *bows down to [cc] and begs for forgiveness japanese style*

*opens his mouth with a wide teethy smile and SHUTS mouth while still smiling*

Holdman in the middle? Then he can miss tackles in both directions!

Let's hope Lemar returns to 2005 form...I don't think we can afford to lose ground by bringing another MLB along. That said, Holdman's gotta go. We need another stud linebacker to compliment Washington.

This is a major weakness that needs to be addressed. I'm 100% for an all defensive draft. Too bad we won't trade down and get more picks.

New name - The Washington Warblers

The NFL needs more bird names.

SHWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH

*OUCH!* MOTHERFUBACHI MAVERICK!

What this team needs is a better dress code! Coat, Tie, and Crew Cuts all around. If you look like a team, you play like one! Ain't that right Sam?

...now where is my cigar? Damn, these Depends keep leaking. Uh Oh. Larry Michael, quit typing my words on that interweb thing! I said my bit. Wait til I tell Danny on you....

I was thinking he has a little more size and maybe they can use him as a Trotter type and just run him straight a the line of scrimmage Kamikazi style.

etrod - Remember Trotter didn't really fit on our Defense. That's why we got rid of him.........

Washington Redd Foxes - Just like Sanford and Son, they are always trying to salvage something. And Gibbs is big on salvation.

he didn't fit Marvin Lewis and George Edward's defense. Man boobs style is more like a Jim Johnson type attack, except that it sucks.

Yikes! I walk away from my desk for an hour (damb work!) and the thread degenerates to religion and politics. I've spent this season trying to stay focused here on the Skins, and religion/politics becomes the new heavy metal/Xbox/soccer/kids/etc. topic of the day. My bad.

Getting back in character, I think the Skins have deeper needs at pass rushing and interceptions than we do at LB. After a season of Holdman hating, folks need to go back to the last few games. He really did turn a corner. Of course, Carter did a HUGE turn of the corner, so no one noticed Holdman picking up the tackles to be made when Carter missed on the rush. I think we have 3.5 solid LBs, with room for big next steps from RockyMac and/or K.Campbell (sorry Posey, whoever you are).

What we need more at the LB spot is a fresh LB coach. Not that I have any idea about the relationship between GG and Lindsay, but the guys on the field seem to have reached a plateau. Someone needs to be inserted into the mix (maybe even someone with some real NFL playing time) to get the GG defense over the hump of the last few rounds of receiver-friendly/QB-friendly NFL rule changes.

The Redskins will play a 3-4 alignment next year, featuring the following players:

Adam Archuleta - OLB
Antonio Pierce - ILB (Giants don't really like him anyway)
Rocky Mac - ILB
Prioleau - OLB

With the old defensive line intact and Springs at safety, the AARP Defense can take us all back to the days of the Over the Hill Gang.

Sometimes I get the feeling that TK is writing half these posts.

Now starting at Inside Linebacker:

Parker Posey

Worst linebacker recommendations of all time there Gregg. You really are an idiot.

And Springs as a safety? You people are insane or just truly dumb.

Brunello,

I just read the last blog entry. We bet TCCL (couch leaps) here. Had to do 10 when the Skins lost to the Jints.

Lisa, I agree with you on Fox. He moved his game to a new level and has a chance to pick it up again. Wynn, on the other hand, has as much game as he is going to have. When Carter came in, the battle for the other spot got decided in favor of one of our two 9+ year vets ... Daniels. I think both guys mean alot to the team, and I'm not an 'ageist' (what is the word for an age bigot?), but every year, the OTs and TEs we face get younger. Time catches up to a body. Recovery time takes longer. Like every player/coach says after a much discussed, fan-hated move, "NFL is a business."

Sorry.

Now starting at OUTSIDE Linebacker -

Parker Posey

AARP Defense RULEZ!

OK,OK

Hi everyone. I know I know. I've been gone a couple of weeks. Ya see, I had this lil' ol' problem called "use or loose vacation" ...

JLaC - want some of my PTO hours?

Anyone need a hug?

*hugs*

Holy cow! A ***SallieMae*** appearance!

Thank you all for the "Top Gun" quotes. Thank you especially for the Pedro Cerrano quotes.

You peeps is funnee!

Buddy Ryan? Oh, did you get a job on the University of Hawaii staff too? I thought you were dead.

If you aren't, you should be. The 4-6 Defense is history.

AARP Defense RULEZ FOREVER!

(putting Buddy Ryan's folder in vertical file)

After a season of Holdman hating, folks need to go back to the last few games. He really did turn a corner.

You're joking of course. Right? Right? Please tell me you are 'cause let's look at those last few games:

Atlanta: 1 tackle
Philly: 2 tackles
NO: 1 tackle
STL: 7 (His season high. Even chumps have a good game now and then)
NYG: 2

Look, this guy is bad, really #ucking bad. If you've recorded any of the games go back and watch him play to play; but bring a barf bag cause you're gonna need it. He gets knocked out of position by guys half his size; pipsquekers that Novashank could flatten toss him around like a rag doll.

There is no corner to turn here for him, except the corner that meets him when he's thrown out on his a$$.

I'm sorry, but the season is over and it was awful, let's not start revising history.

6th Pick in the Draft - From yesterday's performance, Brady Quinn will still be available at this spot. Trade down with another team that wants him and add more youth.

Posted by: 4th | January 4, 2007 01:48 PM

Quinn is going to picked in the second. He is a non-factor.

Oh, sorry, Prioleau. I get you and Parker Posey mixed up. You have the same initials, after all. And you aren't NFL coaches yet, so you don't get individual files.

I have a "file" on Brooklyn Decker.

Not only is she hot, but she shares names with both my favorite kind of Domino's pizza and one of the Captains of the USS Enterprise.

How can you go wrong?

Oh, yeah and why do we have to play TB and MN almost every year? What's up with that?

hey- I had a brainfart and forgot to mention something about lost season III...

Did Creedence Pondwater actually say that hey talks to Pierce all the time and they're best buds????!!!!!

WTF?!!! WTF?!!

Here's a radical thought: why not keep him on your team and you can talk to him everyday...heck, even coach him. Retard.

Who is this Megskin person? She seems to know about defense stuff. Maybe I can get Joe to hire her as Assistant Defensive Personnel Coordinator. She can be my hatchetperson. (Tell Holdman to bring his playbook and his underarmor.)

yea, but Holdman had 57 flying massages and 92 shoelace ties second half of the season. Superconcientious.

Megskin,

Thank you for the Holdman stats. I hereby recant my motion to move Warrick to the middle and accept my stupidity for what it is...a way to avoid work.

Does anyone have Niel Ocklewietz's number?

I picked that up too Jeff. WTF?? Was this a typo? Was Les talking about someone else?

***Jason's Editor - We need clarification on this one.

Charlie - Are you talking about 2nd pick or round regarding Quinn? The LSU QB is waaaay better.

Buddy - They turned Troy Vincent into a safety, why not Shawn (Go Springbrook!)?

"He really did turn a corner." You're absolutely right...Holdman turned a corner, and whiffed on the ball-carrier on the way through

Yes, Pierce is my close personal friend. We talk all the time. He will be my linebacker coach when his playing career is over. I sent him to the Giants so he could spy for us. But the offensive coaches didn't use the information he supplied.

They turned Troy Vincent into a safety, why not Shawn

Becuase safeties are called on to actually tackle when people like Tiki break into your secondary.

Let's imagine it for one moment: Tiki vs Springs
Tiki 1 TD. Springs 3+ broken bones. This time he'd end up eating his scapula

Springs is cornerback; he can play the extra back in a nickel and other packages but that's about it.

guys, you're turning this blog into football geeks blog. holdman? inside? outside? middle? c'mon!

diddy, talk about booze, lisa, workout, jm, smack, talk about playoff bound teams like the zards or the girls. but skins middle line backers? that shti's so dry man!

and in the zeal you guys are talking about this stuff...like it matters. no PLAYER, coach is going to fix this dysfunctional team/disorganization.

4th, you go to Springbrook? Class of '91 here...

OK,OK

Holy cow! A ***SallieMae*** appearance!

My dear P ... *hugs* how I do love you. really, I do. There are a few bloggers that I stop, pause, and read every word written/blogged. You are one. Since I am in catchup mode now reading 2 weeks worth of past blogs ... I hafta admit I'm not reading everything right now ... just my favorite bloggers to get a feeling of what's being said.

Lessee - I shouldn't talk about the obvious: Double G, Archibungus, the D not showing up this year, etc.

Oh ... while I'm thinking about it ... I'll be around all year also. Heck, the WaPo Redskin page is one of my first stops in the morning crusing the net while at work.

I'm in!

*hugs*

dealer, I don't recall talking about middle linebackers. The only middle linebacker I know about is the lady at my cafeteria at work.

Megskin, welcome back and thanks for the reality slap. Factually, the only stat I remember seeing on Holdman was that St. Louis game. The number stuck in my head and I put him into the AC box mentally. The fact slap helps. He's done. I revise my (half a$$ed ... make that quarter a$$ed) take on the LBs. We need a new starter, maybe two. Posey, Holdman, gone. Anyone have any data on whether Archuleta even could play LB?

Charlie - Are you talking about 2nd pick or round regarding Quinn? The LSU QB is waaaay better.

But Quinn is WHITE and LSU QB is BLACK.

Quinn will get 10 years of chances just like archie's boy's brother, phill simm's son, and LSU QB will get 2 at the most and in third's training camp he'll be asked to be an Outside Linebacker and if he doesn't he'll be called a f-ing coach killa!

Arch is 6', about 220 pounds. Basically Lemar sized. I'd like to see bigger LBs myself

W/R to Quinn, Kiper says Raiders can't afford to pass on dude. I agree. You can't judge a college QB only on what you see in games like LSU/ND. There was definitely a disparity in talent. Quinn didn't have the speed at receiver or elsewhere to beat teams of the caliber of Michigan, USC and LSU. Is Tee Martin a better QB than BBM?

btw i heard someone say that Sean Taylor is bigger than lemar marshal. so hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

dealer, I hate to say you're right on that topic, but you really, really are. It's sad, but true. They're doing it to McNabb in Philly now, too.

SallieMae is back. All is right with the world.

Is Tee Martin a better QB than BBM?

tee martin won the big one with the same if not lesser talent than that real coach killer.

4-12, I think Lemar was originally a safety at Michigan State. Not that I think AA deserves any attention for anything, but the dead cap space for the next five years means he either needs to walk away from his sweet deal ... or we need to find another job for him. He can't play strong safety ... and Sean Taylor is the free safety.

dcsween, you're right, he was a safety in college, and ditto the Grim Reaper...he's not moving from free safety.

The topic of black/white QBs reminds me of something I found trying to figure out whatever happened to Jesse Lumsden. [He plays for the Tiger Cats in Canada again.] On a site like this one in the local paper, someone argued that Lumsden could never play in the NFL b/c he's white. The guy was saying that white RBs get turned into tight ends or defensive backs. That got me thinking, so looking down about half the depth charts (AFC side), the only white backs I found were a couple of full backs. ARE there any white RBs (other than fullbacks, like Allstott) in NFL rosters? If not, what gives?

I'd also rather keep AA and cut lloyd. at least AA can personal protect his guts out, while all lloyd can do is personal punk his guts out

Class 0f '98 here. I played fooseball there as well. In my 10th grade year. Shawn Springs came to the weight room to talk to us (he was a sophmore then at OSU). Dude was very personable and cool.

Learnard - WTF are you talkin about? You just proved Dealers' point. No excuses. This dude went to Notre Dame and is coached by Weiss. Quinn will be another Ryan Leaf. He is only getting these acculades because he has a pretty boy smile and his sister is hot to most people (she has gotten face time in 2 consec years at MAjor Bowls). I have hardly seen anything GREAT about him. I know this because I watched almost all of their Dagone games. If you can't beat the power houses, you won't succed in the NFL if you are from a Major Program.

OK,OK

jm22 - *hugs* ... oh, btw - It is a pleasant surprise to see how good looking you are.

Something I saw on TV and wonder if anyone else saw it ... megskin maybe?

2 games ago ... Rocky performs something like "Linebacker in motion" on a short yardage play and singlehandedly stops the runner at the line, no gai. I believe the actual story was there were only 10 players on the field and Holdman? noticed Rocky wasn't there and hollered at him to get in the game.

Still ... motion in defense? I knew tactic?

*hugs* to all and Happy New Year.

Still ... motion in defense? I knew tactic?

Defenses adjust all the time: before snap, at the snap and even after the snap. Old school stuff, nothing new there.

diddy, you know how racial profiling goes. you been on the receiving end with the microsoft job.

i don't like mcnaab. i think he chokes and just got too fat. but look at mike vick? some idiot actually had the audacity to suggest turning him into an RB? did anyone say that about steve young, john elway?

Washington Donkey Punches

Ten years ago there was something to the "black QBs don't get a shot", but I don't see it now.

In 1996 would Vince Young have gone ahead of Leinhart in the draft? Would Miami have chosen Culpepper over Brees? Would Vick still have a job ahead of Schaub? I don't know -- but, thankfully, the facts suggest that in 2006 the "stigma" of a black QB has all but been erased.

4th how did I prove dealer's point? Biases aside, BBM is a great pro QB. Many of the great one's never one a NC in college or a Super Bowl. Ever hear of Kelley and Marino? No doubt, JaMarcus Russell is a good QB but last night's loss, like all of ND's losses this year, is on ND's defense more than Quinn. And you can't rate Russell on one performance. Did you see him against Florida or Auburn?
And Kiper, who knows a little bit about these things, said Quinn should go No. 1. WTF is he talking about is the better question.

I don't see anything wrong with suggesting turning Vick into a RB. The guy shows flashes but is way too inconsistent. Coach killer! It has nothing to do with his skin.

Idiotic is suggesting turning Mark Brunell into a RB.

dealer, Vick did have over a thousand yards rushing this year (as did Dunn). I think Vick has inconsistent passing games ... some weeks awesome, other weeks worse than Ramsey. The jury is still out one what Vick could do with reliable receivers. [McNabb, on the other hand, is consistently awesome in my book.] Randel-El got moved from QB to receiver b/c (1) of his size and (2) he has a QB's mindset about routes. People are saying that Troy Smith won't be a pro QB b/c he is too short. What really got me though, was a comment last night by the other game voice (not Bradshaw or Howie) comparing JaMarcus Russell to "a big Doug Williams", and then (I think) Collinsworth said more like Kordell Stewart. How about a comparison to a tall white QB? It's endemic.

Since we are, indeed, all over the map today, I point this out for those who might have missed it in our Style section:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010301847.html

Our team needs so much help it's ridiculous. We definitely need to trade down from that 6th pick once or twice and pick up a couple 2nd and 3rd round picks. (Hopefully we'll finally get a GM to not waste those picks)

The most important thing we need to address is the D-Line. It all starts there. Carter started to pick it up at the end of the season, but as a whole, the skins don't generate much of a pass rush. Having a consistent pass rush would help our secondary out tremendously.

Then we need to address getting dept at CB and definitely start Rocky Mcintosh next year and get ourselves a solid MLB.

I don't know if we can cut both Archuletta and Lloyd without it hurting us too much with the salary cap, their contracts are too huge. If we do, we'll be in salary cap hell in a couple years.

Seriously, "Red Zebra"? I could have sworn the dude was a "marketing genius"...

is on ND's defense more than Quinn.

yeah, cuz i saw the ND defense force balls into double coverages and throw off back foot the whole night. he should've been credited with 4 INT's not 2. i saw him throw one good fade and the announcers were licking his come-on!

ohh and this just in...there IS no racism in america anymore. no one profiles no one especially not the black athlete. and especially not the black QB's.

and yeah, it's a conspiracy that no GM has offered multiple picks #1's to get matt schaub all 4 years he's been with lanta. he must be really good.

What's even better than the article is the file photo of Mr. Snyder peering over the rims of his glasses.

Best strategy is to move down in the draft at least once for more picks. Then select the most disruptive defensive lineman you can find. There is a player from georgia? not sure that was supposed to be all that this year but slipped a little off his junior year numbers. Has explosive upfield burst (this cannot be coached, you have it or you don't) knock is he is not strong enough weighs like 250. Hey, they have a weight room in Ashburn don't they. My point is when look around the league at teams that get after it they have one or more of these "Body type" guys and and other teams find them all over the place. think strahan, rice, taylor, derek burgess, john abraham for crying outloud. Those guys look like pass rushers just standing there in thier uniforms. When you watch them play how many false starts, holding penalties, hurried throws, sacks, delivery sacks do these guys create.Our defense would be radically diferent if Carter contines and someone on the other side also brings the pain.

I would also love to get an inside backer thats why a trade down or 2 might help us get both or FA signing for a veteran at a reasonable price. under Gibbs I we did lots of situation subs especially at linebacker
first down 2nd down was olkewtcz 3rd down monte coleman. in 91 year it was matt millen (yeah that matt millen) then monte and Kurt Goveiau? Play to your strenghts if we have a smallish middle linebacker who doesn't get off blocks well but can blitz and cover you either replace him or or let him do what he does best and find someone who can stuff the run. Joe needs to close his eyes and think what was my defense like back in the day. Say it "Manley, Mann, Butz and Grant."

sorry guys...for turning this into a racialist thing. just couldn't believe all the hype over Quinn. ummazing! and that dude from lsu beating him 3 to 1. not even close. and his throws. mygod! and the announcers just chalked it up to "1 game". btw, that's like 5 or 10 for quinn.

anyways...i hope we all still love eachother...

Bruh, let it go man. This isn't racial for me. Were you denied a promotion or something? You seem to be taking this very personally. In the words of Whitley Gilbert: "Relax. Relate. Release."

Quinn has not look good all year. Except against Air Force, Army, Navy, and Stanford. Look at the games he played against the big school. The Raiders would be crazy to pick him. Just like I said the G Men were crazy for taking LBM. You see how he is turning out.

Wow, nearly 200 posts on a "guest blog".

I'm pretty sure, like the dudes in the seminal Pauly Shore flick, "Bio Dome", this blog can sustain itself through the summer.

( Insert requisite "_____ must go" statement here )

Lenard - I def don't hate my fellow 'Skins brothern, but I am just saying that you are making excuses for someone who is supposedly #1 in this year's draft, but can never win the big games during the season, let alone a BCS Bowl Game on Primetime. I saw Russell a few times on CBS. He is legit. Why do you think his team went to a BCS Game. He dosen't have a Head Coach who won 4 SBs as an assistant. Dude is a gamer. Just like Young last year. Then Kipper and Mortenson were downing him like crazy uptp the draft. When Mortenson broke the news about his Itelligence test, he predicted he would drop to 11 - 15th pick. That was crazy. Did he watch last years Rose Bowl?

I strongly feel that, as long as stupid stuff keeps happening in sports and the world at large and our digits can find home row on the keyboard, we can sustain this baby. Think of this time period as our OTAs.

Diddy- only other options right now are work or be home changing diapers. I'll take posting on a guest blog.

Oh, and I forgot to mention alcohol.
So, to recap, it's:
1) Stupid stuff
2) Working digits
3) Alcohol
Yeah, that'll work.

All those blathering Talking Heads on television pretty much blew it on Vince Young (despite his talent being obvious to anyone watching the Rose Bowl at home). That's why none of us should listen to anything they say.

I say we draft Quinn Pitcock, pair him with Silas Marner, and be done with it.

(For those who are products of the American school system, Silas Marner is the noted former defensive tackle from Auburn who set a single season sack record while simultaneously playing in the school marching band. A latter day Fred Stokes, if you will. Marner was known for his glib quotes and raspberry chocolate cheesecake)

JAson's Editor - What about the part from Les's story about GG and AP speaking to each other weekly? Is this true? Thanks!

P Diddy, given the upcoming roster bloat, its too early to figure out the 'must go' list. The must keep list, however, is easier. My 'must keep' FAs for this year include: Dockery, Ethan Allbright, Todd Wade, Fox, Pucillo, and Yoder. Exclude from my 'must keep' list are: Jimoh, Holdman, and Wright. If they around and want to re-compete, fine ... but these guys should hit the FA market and be someone else's disappointment. Duckett and Kozlowski are the other UFAs, but they don't seem like must keepers to me (except that I remember reading about how Koz was like Cooley's older, sane brother).

Liz Kelley's blog is on a roll, by the way, but she only gets 30-40 posts a day. You folks in DC need to work on your celebrity adulation a bit more.

A comment about Vick into a running back... That would never work. His body isn't built to be a running back. He'd get killed. His big runs come from pass plays that break down, which leaves the defense out of position and then he relies on his speed and agility. He doesn't have the power your typical running back has.

He also isn't a coach killer like Jim Mora Sr. called him. He played well under Dan Reeves. The receivers he has don't do much to help him out (with the exception of Crumpler). If you've watched any of the falcons games this year, the receivers seem to almost drop as many balls as Carlos 'Was I supposed to hold onto that?' Rogers. The key is basically utilizing him properly, unlike Mora Jr. who tried to make him play under a variation of the west coast offense. Vick has a canon for an arm. Mora would've been better off if he had Brunnell throwing those dink and dunk passes.

we should make that our party blog and go there only when drunk

With all due respect to MV Dame, the problem with Quinn is that he plays for CBS' America's Team (or at least the one that we are forced to watch too much). Notre Dame is the most overrated school in the county. The thing is, they don't have to recruit b/c they are already and perenielly (sp?) rated so highly, plus the football alumni network is monstrous. Still, as a Michigan State alum, I can confidently say that Notre Dame sucks, Quinn is overexposed, and Charlie Weis has a butt in the front (just below what woudl be the belt-line of his sans-a-belt polyester slacks).

That's NBC.

dcsween- I noticed that in the picture of Weiss. Didn't he have the gastric bypass surgery a few years ago, drop a ton of weight, and have some serious health complications? Very surprised to see him that big again.

4th,

I meant 2nd round (Quinn) but that's just me. I just found out I was wrong - having read something else. I think he'll be the next Tim Couch. But I am not a scout. The last time I picked a college quarterback to be good was Big Ben. (Geez, after all this time I still don't know how to spell his last name.)

I am no Quinn apologist, but if he was playing against the Notre Dame defense, he would have also looked spectacular. The ND defense is pathetic. It was the reason they lost their three games. And while I've only seen Russell play one game now, a bunch of his throws were late/underthrown and would have been costly against a good defense. I'm not sure that either one of these guys are a top 10 pick. If Troy Smith was 3 inches taller he'd be #1 without a doubt.

Brian Brohm is probably the best "NFL" QB available if he comes out. Kevin Kolb is the best of the mid-round QBs.

You would think Charlie, wouldn't you. But, there is always some dummy Owner/GM out there willing to take a risk on him to save their butts.......

Quinn will not be good. He'll go to a bad team and be David Carr-ed. We'll never know if he could have been good or not because he'll go to a stinky team and get killed every week.

I say hoooray for that. Let that dude get hyped up and let some idiots take him.

DcSween...I am liking the Landry bandwagon growing. The tightness could be ours.

What really got me though, was a comment last night by the other game voice (not Bradshaw or Howie) comparing JaMarcus Russell to "a big Doug Williams", and then (I think) Collinsworth said more like Kordell Stewart. How about a comparison to a tall whi