Uno?!?!

I am really starting to think that Joe is just a figurehead. The Tom Friend ESPN article last year had players basically saying this and I didn't want to believe it. But now, after watching that press conference, it's clear to me that Snyder has far more control over the football team than Gibbs does. It's hard to imagine considering our record under Snyder, but I think things may have to get worse before they get better.

Well. We can't have it both ways. We can't finger the Skins lack of success in the Snyder era as a result of their shaking up the roster every year, bringing in outsiders, and refusing to take care of their own. And then say it's weird when the coach says that someone who's not even on the team yet, and has never been in a pro-football game, is better than a current Redskin. He's simply getting his player's backs. Nothing more in my take.

That statement leads me to believe they aren't looking much beyond defensive or offensive lineman. Much harder for a rookie to start in those slots because of how much technique required and a opponents willingness to exploit that weakness.

JLC,

It's an easy explanation. The Space Cowboy still lives in 1978. He doesn't understand that to be a contender in today's NFL, you have to possess and use a full slate of draft picks. You also have to find guys who can play right away, not 13 seasons in like Gibby prefers.

And you're right... I could understand that comment if we were 11-5 last year, but we were 5-11. HELLO!!!! Earth to the Space Cowboy. You went to the moon with Clint Eastwood, remember??? If yes, hopefully you also remember that we were the 6th worst team in football last year. How can you say that any player you get (forget the round) in the draft can't become a starter on this team. It's asanine.

I guess the question is... when was the last time we saw a bottom-six team become a top-six team the following season with virtually the same coaching staff and virtually the same roster? Can anyone cite a recent precedent?

The biggest difference from last opening day is the quarterbacks on both sides of the ball. Campbell for Brunell is a HUGE change from '06. On D, London School of Economics + Praline (my guess at S starting next to the Reaper) will be the new QBs; London is new and Praline didn't get a chance last season.

Why do we have rehash Arch Deluxe, expecially at Lunchtime. The last thing this guy needs is another conspiracy theory and McDonalds.

Ricky Bobby, I want YOU for the drive to 50k! Average one post an hour from now 'til Saturday morning, that's all I ask.

Do your part, lad! Let the vitriol fly!

I think you would want a new rookie just out of the draft to believe that they must compete for a starting job. If they come in with the conclusion that they will be a starter without having to "earn it" then what is their motivation to go out there and work their a@@ off?

I think it will be a good gauge of the rookie's work ethic.

Since the team fell in a rut last season Coach Joe has been maintaining that he believes they are much better than their record,

You are always only as good as your record, sorry Joe.

they are just a few pieces away and, like Snyder said yesterday, they are poised for improvement.

We've been living with this lie for ... how many years now? Unless there are some fundamental changes in the organization itself (and barring some major freaking miracle) things are going to stay the same as they have been. The Three Stooges have a major case of delusion--this is truly a really sad off-season.

Nate,

we went from 6-10 in 2004 to 10-6, with a playoffs win and were probably one "stone hands" interception away from the NFC championship game... I know, I know... I'm a blind homer.

Anyone go to extremeskins lately? Art the moderator has really gotten out of control. He's banned two people for criticizing Snyder and get this, is now blaming the franchise woes on Joe Gibbs. This leads me to believe two things --

1. The Danny not only owns extremeskins, but he also reads it and

2. Gibbs is going to be gone real soon.

Ahhh! Danny Boy just reaffirmed his faith in the front office. WOOO HOOOOO!!! Is it possible to give an owner of a franchise a draft pick? If so, he gets the 1st rounder. Wait, that would leave only 2 more...on Sunday....Oh why not!!!

Nate,

I hear ya. No accountability whatsover. We could go 16-0 or 0-16, but nothing is going to change. For now, Gibby will always put on his wig and clown nose and direct the circus while Snyder rolls around naked in his pile of cayyysh.

$$$$ + Boyhood idol coach who won't stand up to his meddling + racquetball partner bug-eyed freak > results.

Megskin,

gotta say I dont get why you are angry about our offseason? I'm sure you (like many others) wanted a GM... but I dont see how this offseason has been dissapointing at all.

Great work, Inigo! A recent precedent has been found. Let the roller coaster be on a ride UP this fall...

I don't see what the issue is, all he is saying is that no rookie would be able to earn a spot on top of the depth chart by the end of TRAINING CAMP. I think most rookies would have a hard job adjusting to the NFL enough to earn a starting spot before they experianced even a pre-season game. That doesn't mean they won't have earned a starting posistion by the first game.

Besides, how often does this coaching staff start rookies (especially on the defensive side of the ball) at the beginning of the season? It took Sean Taylor 4 weeks to earn a starting spot and his talent level was well above those starting in front of him. It's all about adjusting to the NFL and not rushing a guy in before he is ready.

If Gibbs were to say that a first round pick is guaranteed a starting job, then he's pretty much telling this rookie that he doesn't need to worry about coming to camp in shape, or worry about working hard during training camp, or learn the playbook inside and out, because no matter what, you'll start. What he said also keeps the veterans from becoming disgruntled before camp even starts. It's one thing for a veteran to lose his starting job during camp, but it's awful tough for a veteran to be upbeat about the upcoming season going into camp already knowing that he doesn't have a starting job.

Sorry. What Cheyenne and hockeygoalie29 said.

With the 6th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Gibby the Clown selects the Fire Eater out of Barnum & Baley U.

Fire up the circus music, Naploean!

Anyone go to extremeskins lately?
Posted by: Warpath | April 25, 2007 12:04 PM

Not as much as I used to. Still a great place to get news, b/c so many people are updating with articles and stuff when they come out. Didnt realize that moderators were turning on Joe, thats just wrong. I will blindly follow Gibbs to the bitter end!!!

ROLL CALL

#6DoubleEL, 4-12, bangkokben, BT, Bucktown Skins Fan, CC, cdubb, Cheyenne, WY, chris Larry, cload and daggar, connskins, cosmofla, dcsween, dealer, EaglesFan (Adam), ES, etrod, Governor, The + ArtMonkToTheSticks (Blades of Glory pairs division), Greg (Boston), Hail to 'em, Inigo Montoya, jm220, John D in Houston, JonTKP126, JustMe, kost52, Larry Bud, LH AKA Learned Hand, Lisa, MrSpartan, mugamack, MV Dame, Nate in the PDX, Ocho-Ocho, Old School, Otter, P Diddy, Paps in Manila, Periculum, protosnot, Pulldownclaw, RBD202, Ricky Bobby, sfskin, skinfanman, Skinz, skinswest, SMACK, The Diesel, The Mole, Wes Mantooth

As suggested by our Sergeant-at-Arms, MV Dame, if your name is on this list, I implore you to do your best to comment, on average, once per hour from now through Saturday morning, Eastern time.

If your name is not on this list, post even more! If you're a veteran who's gone MIA -- SallieMae, 4th Floor, Megskin!!!, HaikuMan, Dorf, skinsfan@8kaboveMSL, Jeff Hayes, so many others -- now is the time! If you're a longtime lurker, become a first time commenter!

"Ask not what the blog can do for you, ask what you can do for the blog!"

Well, it's really hard for anyone to say - even for the people who life/job it is. After all, the Jets last year went from the bottom to the playoffs. In the league, outside of a few teams at the bottom and the top, anyone can beat anyone on a given day - for who knows what reason. The professionals are all pretty close together on talent level and it seems as if the line is finer than it appears.

Aside from all the pre-draft smoke and mirrors that this statement very well could be- perhaps it's just an extension of the FO's "reassuring" tone. The gist of this conference seems to be that "we're going in the right direction..." Maybe they're also trying to prepare the fandom that regardless of whom they pick, we shouldn't immediately set set our expectations on Lombardi (see Mark Brunell, last preseason).

This offseason has been great, so far, IMO. I don't get the negativity. And I like that they seem to be looking to trade down, or take the best available player. Very smart.

When your defense is ranked in the thirties you better d@mn well draft someone with the intention of them coming in and competing for a starting spot on day one. I don't care how good they were prior to last year.

That being said Gibbs 1.0 (and Gibbs 2.0 in 2005) was good at getting the most out of his players. If he thinks he can get it done with the current group then great. Considering the age (and likelihood for injury) of many of the current group - S. Springs and Dline I'm looking at you - I'll remain skeptical until proven otherwise.

How would it feel for a guy right out of college to come in and automatically take over your job. I think the statement serves just as much a purpose of firing up the veterans to keep their roster spot in tact.

Whatever we may think about what emerged in the presser, the fact is that we have a very narrow window left for making changes before the season.

We have four draft picks as of today, and only one in the first four rounds. There may be a trade and may be some veterans cut (esp. after June 1), but it seems unlikely we'll see more than a couple of changes to the lineup before training camp.

As I've said a few times, we have made our bed with Gibbs, Grilliams, Saunders, Lloyd, Campbell, and almost all of the returning vets. We just have to hope for the best. And I for one am filled with hope.

I'm also hoping they just revoke ricky bobby's season tix so we can all be spared the displeasure of his constant b1tching and moaning.

47,093!

Its wierd how much the FO gets the blame in these things. Why is at least sdome of the outrage not directed at the player. These guys get a ton of money to do a job. If a guy is drafted in the first round or the 7th round there job is the same. Go out there and exectue the plays

Ricky Bobby- I finally got a postcard from the ticket office alerting me that I'm "past due" in paying for my season tickets. They say I'm at risk of losing my tickets, and to contact them immediately to work out a payment schedule.

Pulldownclaw and other music mavens, the Coachella reference... the reunited Pixies' first big show was Coachella.

I thought a lot about going -- my favorite band, but I didn't see live the first time around -- but decided against. Of course they killed.

That festival is out in the middle of the freakin' desert. There's something unusually sadistic about taking all the logistical hassles of a big music festival and putting it out in the desert. Sheesh.

I'll suggest for the "payment schedule" that they send me $2,000/year for the next 15 years.

Thanks for the update, Cyn City!

And yes, I am just annoying enough to add that 'ROLL CALL' to every new post from now to Saturday. It can't be any more annoying than all the other nonsense I post up here.

By the by, MV Dame perfectly encapsulated why the 'March to 50k' matters in the last thread. And here's a link to our first milestone, when we reached 10k:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2006/11/a_soggy_moss_gathers_no_grass.html

(Note that sfskin called for 100k by draft day. We're not going to hit that mark, but 50k sure does seem impressive.)

this new post is right up my alley

QB /coach stability that what has been lacking around here for the past 15 years.

Gibbs is all about the team, his guys, he feels like we can contend with the base group he has.

the line between good and bad teams is very thin. not expecting superbowl here, but a winning season and playoff contention is real. you build in steps gotta be a playoff calibur type team before when are a serious threat.

if we get better offensive production watch how that helps fire up our defense.

Gibbs knows we need a few more players, he is just not going to call anyone out and because he knows he needs almost all the guys on the roster to play better, he gets behind them... even though some he will cut come august.

I love the skins but trust me i am not a homer, there is no certainty here only a hall of fame coach who is the hall cause he was a team builder. he knew how to put the right guys together and how to get the most out of them.

Todays game is different (on the field) in one big way. its a QB league and your not going to get it done without a good one.

how bout them saints. think getting a new coach and 20-25 new players reggie etc, but keeping arron brooks at QB they go to the title game.... ah no they go like 6-10

So is JC for real or not. we have the coach, lets see how it turns out.

Cheyenne - I think the players have gotten plenty of flak here - Brunell, Lloyd, Arch, Holdman, Doublemove - they've all been ripped up/down/sideways here. Since it's the offseason the FO is front and center for most of the blame now. Sorry if that's too Capt Obvious a statement - just doing my part on the drive to 50K

4-12,

That's great... and I have no doubt that you'll get calls and emails as well.

You what's funny? I saw a blurb on cnnsi the other day about the 10 toughest tickets in sports. Amazingly, the Skins were on the list... if only the guy who created that list knew what we know already... that there are 5-10k empties at EVERY game, that you can buy a ticket for 3 bucks and a bag of yay-yo in the parking lot, that the ticket office is begging people to stay on...

sounds like the easiest and most pathetic ticket to me. but hey, I go, so I guess I better stop complaining because I'm just feeding the troll.

I definitely understand the logic.

But the FO gets destroyed for grabbing Lloyd. How is the front office supposed to know that he is going to drop balls and be almost non existent in the offense.

If he goes out last year and leads the league in receptions and touchdowns, then the FO looks like geniuses.

Is there something special about this system that will no allow a first round pick to crack the starting roster? Gibbs/Saunders allowed that scrub Lloyd have a starting job when it could have gone to the undrafted Mike Espy. I really don't want to turn on this coaching staff but I swear they are pushing their luck this year.

sounds like the easiest and most pathetic ticket to me. but hey, I go, so I guess I better stop complaining because I'm just feeding the troll.

Posted by: Ricky Bobby | April 25, 2007 12:32 PM

Easiest and most pathetic? I got a funny story for you. The St. Louis-ans here tell me that the Cardinals were SOOO bad that before they left for Arizona, people would put their tickets on windshields of cars downtown to get rid of them!!!

Now thats bad.

My no-name post... I'm good for at least one of those a day!!!

RB, I'm no troll--I've been here since day 1. I just think it's funny you buy season tix and then constantly complain and make fun. I bought a HD tv last year and watch from home. Maybe that's why I'm not quite as bitter?

RB, I think you're perfectly welcome to vent up here. Plus I enjoy it.

Look, we all have SOMETHING to complain about until our doggone team is consistently good again. All our discontent stems from that single fact.

It's cathartic to do this complaining and soul-searching and solution-debating up herew on the blog. It's a communal effort, it's funny, and it reinforces how great it is to be a Skins fan.

My perspective as a Skins fan on the other side of the continent, anyway.

Redskin Born,

You are not super smart, courageous, and therefore, worthy of a starting spot until you are a vet over the age of 30, save the coaches life, or your name is Mark Brunell, parent of the year, who meets all of the above.

Megskin, gotta say I dont get why you are angry about our offseason?

I'm not angry(yet, I reserve to be angry by the time I'm done with this frigging post though), just depressed, and I knew I was going to be before we even got this far. But in an effort to bump up our post count, here goes:

1) No GM. They're fine wheeling and dealing for players and picks, but when it comes to facing the music and actually finding someone to do a job that is absolutely essential for success, they look the other way. Joe Gibbs: "Hey, it works for us."

2) No Picks. This I knew going in, still, it's depressing. And no, trading down isn't going to help; at least at the number 6 slot, they stand a chance of picking someone half-decent; if we trade down it's only more chances for these goons to make dumb decisions. This all would have been fixable if they had done Number 1.

3) Idiotic rumors that fly out the back door of Ashburn about who we're picking and/or trading this week. That whole thing about trading for Lance Briggs was a complete disaster--and it's probably all true--which is depressing. And now it seems like we're hot-to-trot for a Wide Receiver...how many times have been through this? Don't we have enough of them already?! We don't need another one--what we do need is someone on the D-Line, everyone knows that. Is there anyone here that thinks otherwise? If this we're anyone else, if we actually had a GM, if it wasn't $nyder running the whole show, I would think that we'd make that pick for CJ with the plan that we're trading him to someone else that would give up an all-pro DT/DE in a trade--but with these guys? Come on. They'll probably try and play him and he'll turn into the biggest bust in years, go to Green Bay and return kickoffs in the Super Bowl. Oh wait, that's already happened. Sorry.

4) [Deleted-for-Unprintable-Content]

5) JLaC says that everyone lies when they talk about what they need/want/are-looking for. Unfortunately, I don't think this is the case when it comes to the Skins. I'd like to believe otherwise, don't get me wrong, I'd really like to believe they have more than half-a-brain--but I don't.

I will blindly follow Gibbs to the bitter end!!!

Loyalty and blindness don't have to go hand-in-hand.

RB- Yeah, better stop the bee-yotching and whining. After all, since the end of Gibbs 1.0, the 'Skins have won TWO more playoff games than the Lions and Cardinals COMBINED! We certainly can't complain about that, can we? Everything's hunky-dory with the organization, from top to bottom. MMM-HMMM

I still have a feeling that Vinny's gone after the draft. Shoot, I hope I didn't just jinx it though...

Ohya, I forgot ....

6) We'll probably trade-up, giving up next years 1st round pick (we still have that, right?) and choose Brady Quinn of all people.

If Godfather Gibbs had kissed Vinny on the mouth at the end of the presser, we would have known for sure.

There is an imposter on the blog. I would never write that S.. in the last post about Jmarc over JC. As you can tell, the imposter did not use my penchant for nicknames or abbrev.

Loser

I hope I didn't just jinx it

Uhmm ya, thanks a lot. You just screwed the p@@c$ for us all.

Gibbs also feels better because for the first time there are no major changes or adjustments (read stability). the first year he had to adjust and the team had to adjust (new coach). second year QB contraversey (ramsey not his guy) back of his mind knowing Brunell not the future. then complete change in offense loss of portis early, no confidence in Betts/rock (hence panic for duckett) Gibbs now feels competely confident in betts/ portis. he really likes cambpell and has seen him play in real games (More certainty). so (my opinion) even though gibbs came in 3 yrs ago things are just now settled in his mind and so he can focus on the normal offseason stuff which is geting players cause the major stuff is now in place (QB) and system.

Megskin, I am also nervous about any trade-up-to-trade-down scenario.

The Keystone Kops FO would love to look clever and pull something like that off, pulling off a ginormous splash, but it seems fraught with risk. Finding ONE dance partner is proving so difficult that I can't imagine we'll be able to find TWO and execute two deals on Saturday.

For example, adding Brady Quinn, Medicine Woman, and subtracting our first round pick next year ain't my idea of a successful draft.

Anyone see that Mel Kiper expects Ben Grubbs (G from Auburn) to be a perenial pro-bowler? Wouldn't mind seeing us trade WAY down in to the 20s, draft Grubbs, plug him in at LG and do this pro-bowl stuff, then take a bunch of 4-7th round picks and package them for maybe 1 or 2 2nd-3rd round picks. Seems like we've gotten some quality guys that they targeted in those rounds (Cooley,Rocky Mac) even if we sacrificed extra picks.

That said, I think there are several positions with pretty decent depth right now.... obviously RB, plus CB and OL with this year's free agent class, and maybe even WR, QB and S depending on the production that we get.

I don't think we've begun to see what the present guys can do. Maybe Saunders knows what he's doing??!!! You don't build the league's number one offense by being an idiot, and KC seemed to be able to pull it off without a Tom Brady type QB.

I just think it takes any human being a long time to digest 400 pages. JC gets his first full year behind center, his first full training camp throwing...

I'm thinking this year we light it up a little! 10-6 at least!

Just checking back in - fellas and ladies. What was Gibbs supposed to say yesterday... Ok we know exactly who we want so don't anyone else call and try and give us a draft pick or two. or wait... whoever we draft, he is coming in as the starter... Remember we have to SIGN him first, get him to camp, then... hold it... wait for it... he has to EARN his spot. What does that say for the players that are already at that position? "No matter what you do player X we DRAFTED a guy that has never played a down in the Pros, BUT he is going to start. So whatever you do don't work hard in the off season and try to win a job." (I believe all spots are open as of right now, no one should be safe.) It keeps the desire to be the best alive AND keeps the locker room together.

Reggie Bush, didn't start right away. Mario was horrible. Vince Young didn't start right away. The bum LB from that Dallas took, rarely saw the field.

Also, lets move the freaking training camp back to Carisle. Please Put them in dorm rooms away from everyone and lets go to the Bowl. Jeez

One thing that has changed (so far, crossing fingers) is that they have said that they are not trading their 2008 picks so maybe, maybe in their own will-never-admit-they're-wrong attitude that things are starting to be different.

I think his quote was more along the lines of their first pick doesn't necessarily need to start, which is much different than saying the roster is so strong it's doubtful any picks can be immediate starters. Besides, it's ridiculous to put much stock in anything teams say this time of year. Suffice to say whoever they pick first will see a lot of playing time.

Right-on old school. I think Gibbs finally has a team he likes and the players to get it done. It's too bad they are just starting to value their picks now, b/c calvin johnson would make our offense ridiculous. But trading down seems much wiser right now and I hope it happens.

I forgot the question...

Oh, right is Gibbs suffering from the early stages of alzheimers.

I'm definitely a big believer in the "only good as the record" philosophy and it toubles me that a guy with the character and insight as Saint joe would be so delusional.

I've already stated that I'm not as pessimistic as most about this upcoming season, but the best thing Gibbs should and could say about the previous one is that it's over.

I used to have several co-workers who were Steelers fans who used to say really stupid things like, "the Steelers really won that game in every way but the score."

The thing I've always loved about Skins fans is that we are the best fans in the league because we love our team, but we're sanguine and realistic about them also.

We're not Philly idiots who secretly hate themselves and take it out on their own guys and Santa.

We're not Raiders fans who are really into dress-up, not football.

We're not Cowgirls fans because we actually understand the game.

And we're definitely not Steelers fans who bury their heads in the sands of the past and try to make chicken salad out of chicken excrement.

So, anyway, it bugs when the Coach does it.

Nate, the Pizies killed it second time around. saw several of those shows and they were as good as the old days.
sorry to rub it in, but you know, I kinds couldn't help myself.

I just powered down a sleeve of little donuts -- breakfast of champions -- which reminded me of this classic clip from the SNL vault:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaDGs453oGI

Belushi breaking the tape in the race, his belly stuffed into that USA tank top ... priceless.

Anyone else just get an email offering a free Jason Campbell Jersy if you buy season tickets?

I don't think we need to worry about Quinn or Russell.

"Pizies" - how great is that? I new lacanfora-ism is born.

sies;

That would be 700 page playbook. But your point is valid.

Our D is where the current players were not getting it done. Removing Holdman and moving Lemar, Replacing Lemar with LFB, Adding Smooter and Mackdaddy (true redskins) goes a long way.

So while Gibbs comments might have been generalized, it does speak to their overall philosophy of FA vs Drafting. They want Draft picks to be ready to roll and not get lost out there. Others prefer having draft picks learn on the job.

Either Way, 1 first day impact pick may or may not crack the starting lineup day 1, but if we address one of the two positions of need on D, which is line and safety, then we should almost have the puzzle complete.

Nate, another thank you for saving me from the other post, blogging all alone. I guess no one saw my question about whether Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes will be invited to the 'War Room' on draft day.

MV,

Thanks for the background on the drive to 50,000.

For the sake of good karma, I will do my part.

For example, adding Brady Quinn, Medicine Woman, and subtracting our first round pick next year ain't my idea of a successful draft.

What really worries me is: it might be theirs.

They'll pull that move and then stand there all proud of what they did: "We're geniuses!", while the rest of the league is laughing their a$$e$ off.

It's like your dog crapping on the floor, and then being all proud of it and expecting a doggy treat. What do you say? You can't yell at him, you know he's an idiot, at that point he's untrainable. You have to take him out back and well... get rid of him.

I will blindly follow Gibbs to the bitter end!!!

Loyalty and blindness don't have to go hand-in-hand.

Posted by: Megskin | April 25, 2007 12:37 PM

Didnt say I was right, just how it is. He's my childhood hero and nothing that happens in Gibbs 2.4 or 2.5 will change that.

I like to see that we have looked at ALL of our possibilities this offseason and havent pulled the trigger on anything stupid.

I like that the Skins are an active team and people want to deal with them. Some of what they have done is dumb beyond comprehension. Some of it was dumb when they did it and some of it was done with the help of hindsight. Not every free agent has been a waste, not every traded draft pick has been wasted.

I agree with you for the most part, just not as vehemently. I look at it like this, the Skins were ONE play away for the NFC championship game in 2005 and only had a few holes to fill. They thought that they had filled those holes and then some last offseason (so did I). But EVERYTHING went terribly wrong and we were supossed to be watching commercials this time of year saying "The Washington Redskins just won SuperBowl 42, you can own this collectible shirt and hat for the low low price of $49".

So naturally EVERYONE is really dissapointed and in some cases really pissed. Questioning the FO, Snyder, Gibbs, JLC (just kidding) but for me, I truly think we had some crappy luck, some crappy play, some crappy coaching and a enough crap from enough areas of the team to make a whole big pile of crap.

This year we will be a much better team, playing the underdog role again.

Ok, another attempt to spark some furious posting on a new topic...

When are the rumors of the Skins ditching FedEx to build a new retractable roof stadium at RFK gonna start getting some better traction around DC. It's a no brainer for Danny (Superbowl anyone? not to mention new naming rights and better luxury suites). Anyone want to bet that he doesn't want to out-do Jerry Jones and get an HD jumbotron that spans the entire field, not just between the 20s? Plus I'm sure the magic seating number would have to go to 100k+ right? I keep thinking about how Qwest in Seattle was designed to maximize crowd noise which would be killer with a capacity Skins crowd.

FedEx is a pre-fab dump, let's get it right this time...

I should have mentioned that I did see the Pixies eventually -- Constitution Hall, Hammerstein in NYC, Merriweather Post -- during their reunion tour.

Loved seeing them on stage of course, but it made me appreciate how great and interesting Frank Black's solo career has been as it has evolved over the years. Genius, pure genius.

(Kim Deal in the Breeders showed serious chops too, just sadly couldn't keep it going through the dope haze or whatever.)

Maybe the Pixies will start making new music (as has been persistently rumored) and start kicking ass again. I would love it.

Gibby,

won't happen. no local funding authority, especially DC, would pony up the cash. Plus the place is less than 15 years old no matter how pre-fab. And can those of you that have tix imagine what would happen to the prices?

Jeminintly.

Skins fans are stuck with FedEx for at least another 15 years - DC can't afford to chip in on a new RFK (not with the new Nats ballpark) and Danny will squeeze every dime out of FedEx (every year it exists means more money in his pocket). I loathe FedEx. Quest field is amazing. But it's not coming to DC anytime soon.

Nate, in answer to your question about a team having a dramatic turnaround from one season to the next with most of the same players and the same organization/coaching staff in place:

Ravens 2005: 6-10
Ravens 2006: 13-3

Yes, the Ravens switched QBs (but so did the 'skins at the end of last year). Other than that, about the same everything else.

Not saying the 'skins will have the same success, just saying its possible.

To address JLC's post: who cares what anyone says during the pre-draft presser? Its all gamesmanship.

If the 'skins take Landry though...OMG.

Gibby;

I think we should do that exact thing. We need to have real grass. But a retractable roof only for Superbowl would be cool.

Remember, Danny inherited Raljon.

Danny doesnt need local funding

Since when did Snyder become the type of owner to worry about local funding? That's the equivilent of him worrying about the salary cap. He'll find a way to make it happen cause he'll have to. No way the league would chip in either to make it happen since FedEx is newish age wise...

Plus Danny's got Six Flags and Johnny Rockets to keep the cash flow up while he builds his new empire... FedEx is still Jack Kent Cooke not Daniel M. Snyder

Danny didn't inherit Raljon, Ral and Jon did. Danny acquired it, which is why he'll leave the Redskins sitting there until the fans stop coming. He owns the building! It has the greatest seating capacity in the NFL. He has nothing to gain from moving but the gratitude of the fans, and it's pretty clear he doesn't worry excessively about what the fans think.

More likely, Danny contributes 20 million to the Maryland football program and they suddenly decide to start playing their games at FedEx.

Tom Cruise could help him pay for the new stadium and they'd call it Scientology Field.

"... Loyalty and blindness don't have to go hand-in-hand.

Posted by: Megskin | April 25, 2007 12:37 PM"

Good point. I think that's why seeing eye dogs are on leashes.

I'm with Old School on the point that the line between best and worst is very narrow. Admittedly, the way the Saints turned around their game required the input of Drew Brees and, to a much lesser extent, Reggie Bush, but the Skins do have essentially the same roster as the one that started last season, except with an upgrade at QB, but also with a healthy Portis and Prioleau.

The reason, however, that I'm playing Devil's Advocate (aka, $nyder's Lawyer) is so that Megskin will unkink the nitrous oxide tube feeding the coked-up hamsterhood of RI. The offseason is the one time of the year when the Skins can remain undefeated for MONTHS!

muga;

No, Snyder wants to build a new stadium so he can create more seats and more $$. He has maxed out the size of FedEx.

And his ego NEEDS to compete with Jones in D Town.

I hate to say it, but that Dallas Stadium looks absoulty sick... as well as sickening, but i can dream of something similar when the Washington Warthogs move back into DC.

To chime in on Jason's question, I am in the minority here, but I think Gibbs was correct in saying it would be a challenge for any of the draft picks to surpass the current starters in training camp and be a day one starter.

The one exception: Calvin Johnson. No way the Redskins trade up, give up their first round 2008 pick, and don't start Calvin Johnson over B. Lloyd.

But on every other position I think Gibbs is speaking the truth.

Getting a star WR in the 7th round didn't hurt either.

Snyder might as well have said something like:
"if we change our course now, it will embolden our enemies"

I'm sick of the same rhetoric coming out of our supposed "leaders" in DC.

Can't ANYONE admit they made a mistake and take accountability in order to make a change?

The only question is: who has a lower approval rating, Bush or Snyder?

Latest news on Redskins.
Coach Gibbs, Vinny and the McDaddy of all scouts Dan are working their guts out to get CJohnson.

As a follow up;

Snyder has ALWAYS been willing to spend money to make money, which is why ultimately I cannot blame him for his ways. I can fault them, but I would rather have 1 million D Snyders than 1 Paul Brown

I'm blogging

I'm blogging some more

Now I just need to automate my postings and I'll be able to maintain a 1 post/hour pace

Stay tuned

Adam

If we pick CJ they all need to be smack in the back of their damn heads

Testing

Thats the only reason Joe Gibbs will never win in this era. His thinking is of the 80s where veterans dominated and rookies had to earn their jobs. Last year draft proves that rookies can contribute heavily(Colston, Young, Bush etc).

The Redskins will only win when they depend on their rookies rather than veterans. No matter who they pick, his development will be hindered by the stupid thinking of the coach that no rookie can start him.

Impeach Joe Gibbs!

#6LL-

I agree with you - FedEx is maxed out, the new Dallas stadium will get under his skin, he may start feeling the itch to build a new stadium. But it will still be 15 years.

It doesn't make any financial sense for Snyder to start building in the next 10 years. To build in DC would require getting around tons of red tape and an investment of what, 500 million? What is the upside for Danny to do it now? Why not do it when he's driven the team into the ground and needs the new stadium to revive interest?

Interesting.

Loseable type now seems to block repeat posts. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing

Adam

The only question is: who has a lower approval rating, Bush or Snyder?

Posted by: God Help Us | April 25, 2007 01:16 PM

Bush. Nobody's died (that I know of) due to Snyder's machinations.

Gibbs makes sense. It's a tough game to learn in training camp. How many Redskin rookies have started the opening game? Not even the reaper.

Wednesday's traditionally the day when the club with the first pick starts negotiating with two guys to try to save a few million bucks. Look how much it saved Houston last year! So, what's wrong with Oakland? Aren't they negotiating yet?

Oh yeah, F the HOF again...

Hi Redskins fan, just wanted to stop by to say that we are working our guts out. We are in the process of getting a player who will play his guts out for us.

correct in saying it would be a challenge for any of the draft picks to surpass the current starters in training camp and be a day one starter.

Posted by: mugamack | April 25, 2007 01:14 PM

Except the defensive line!

EaglesFan, I think the blog is working

"Anyone see that Mel Kiper expects Ben Grubbs (G from Auburn) to be a perenial pro-bowler? Wouldn't mind seeing us trade WAY down in to the 20s, draft Grubbs, plug him in at LG and do this pro-bowl stuff, then ...

Posted by: Gibby | April 25, 2007 12:48 PM"

Gibby, nice thoughts, but if its the Skins, they trade WAY down (like out of the first round), not for a projected perenniel pro-bowler guard, but instead a current one, Alan Faneca -- who Russ Grimm is trying to poach out of the Steelers. [And Steelers fans remark "we got the best deal out of that trade on everything but the results," until, upon arrival at the Park, he ruptures an achilles tendon or something.]

Any new stadium for this team HAS to right the grievous wrong perpetrated when the Skins moved out of DC.

The mojo we lost with that move -- just a few short but critical miles across the Anacostia and over the district line -- was tremendous.

The second item on my wish list would be putting the stadium a short walk from a Metro station. F shuttle buses and bogus sidewalk usage laws.

charlie-

what D-lineman in the draft is a lock (A LOCK) to supplant one of the current D-linemen for the Redskins?

I just don't see any sure things.

And I WANT the Skins to pick D-line.

I just don't think whoever they pick will start against Miami.

Really.

Not too much hay to make about Gibbs comment about even first rounders not starting. Ya see, Redskins Football is real complicated, and even for a guy who's playin his guts out, ya have to be super smart to start.

Even if he was the only punter on the team, Skins wouldn't even start a rookie punter until game 4.

Introduction of solid foods
Dirty diaper takes on whole new meaning
Daddy needs Mommy.

I'm pretty sure Ben Grubbs could start at G for us, and oh yeah, that Calvin Johnson fellow might be able to find his way onto the field over B Lloyd.

Are we the most mis-managed team in the NFL? The Cards are bad, the Lions, the Browns, the Raiders. I'd put us at 5th worst behind those teams. We're definitely in the conversation.

A new stadium would be terrific...something along the lines of Reliant or Cardinals Stadium. I would argue that, with a place like that, Snyder would deserve a Super Bowl here.

Exactly Cindy;

And the reason to build it is for the revenue from the SB. He wanted the NFl to promise 2 SB's over a 10 year span.

If that can be agreed to, Danny will build it.

muga,

Nothing's a lock but on the defensive line, a guy doesn't depend on having to learn many defensive schemes. In the trenches, a good sense of what to do can overcome a lot of stategy.

Sticking in a rookie d-lineman is not like sticking a rookie cb who gets burned for huge gains and td's.

You know Snyder is already jealous of Dallas hosting the Super Bowl, which will be all but inevitable by 2011 or so. Little Danny must be fuming. Probably more jealous of the stadium than of JJ's three Lombardis.

My favorite design feature of the new Cow Palace is that the retractable roof can be left a little bit open, thereby retaining the fabled hole through which God watches when he's rooting for the Skins or whoever's playing Dallas.

mugamack

Blog accepts comments, but it now seems to creatively ignore duplicate submissions of the same post multiple times in succession (i.e. submit the same post using your browsers back button; you'll only see one posting of the comment).

I think it's all good, but I wonder if Nate/others aperiodically ran into "new feature issues" with this Loseable Type (an apropos name for the new feature) upgrade.

I'll stop geeking out shortly

Adam

Man, peeps be bloggin their faces off this AM- I can't keep up. Nice. For any fans of loud '90s Grunge, Chris Cornell hasn't lost his chops. I witnessed his ridiculous range last night in BMore- played some sweet Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog. He's a beast.

4-12, so has the teething begun yet?

Once it does you will know the hell that little DoubleEL has been giving me and mrs PDSquared... oops, I mean mrs #6

I agree with you, charlie. I *think* a D lineman has a better chance of starting sooner than just about anybody else, because you're in the trenches and not out 'on an island.' Plus the inherent advantage of energy and young legs means a D line rook can get into the rotation and contribute.

Remember Golston made plays week one against MIN last year. Not a starter, but immediately a part of the rotation.

work sucks

I've been writing TPS reports all day and somebody took my stapler.

Wasn't Joe Gibbs' NFL success during the time of the Hogs who were drafted by Bobby Bethard? How successful would he have been with a revolving door of O-Lineman? That is why he won with so many different QB's - because of the Hogs. Hell, I probably could have made it through a game at QB myself with the Hogs and I'm an old fat white guy.

So why am I saying this? one, to get the blog count up and two, because Joe Gibbs is a good coach but he's not known for picking players. Didn't he say there were no faults with Desmond Howard?

I will be continually frustrated now that Snyder has totally convinced himself and all of us that he see's no need for a GM. He's the man to save us and a 5-11 team is just fine with him. I guess the last 10 years were just a fluke and he and Vinny "we have a plan, don't panic" Cerrato see no need to really replace anyone next year because we are all set. (unless they get someone who can sell more jersey's, ala CJ)

Snyder, please sell the team and start a logging company. You seem to be good at that.

4-12,

mine is 3 years old
and still barely toilet trained
life is clorox wipes

I look at it like this, the Skins were ONE play away for the NFC championship game in 2005

More like we were one good QB away from going to the NFC championship.

and only had a few holes to fill.

And now those holes have appeared wholesale (haha) in the defense.

the way the Saints turned around their game required the input of Drew Brees and, to a much lesser extent, Reggie Bush,

And a new coach, revamped defense, rookie WR that led the league in receiving at one point, and Drew Brees was just plain incredible. Don't see anything of that sort happening here anytime soon. To make the playoffs:

• Portis has an All-Pro year (or at least close to)
• O-line plays like it did at the end of last year (goes with #1)
• Defense reverts to 2004 form
• Soupy is "above average" (whatever that means)
• No one gets injured!

Numbers 1-4 have a whole slew of cascading dependencies of course, far too many to list. And besides, we really only care about post count right now, right?

Jason,

I agree with you that is a wierd statement. This team needs defensive help.

That said, there probably are not MANY players who would start right out of camp. Laron Landry, Calvin Johnson, Gaines Adams are three that come to mind who would start.

Beyond that, though, I am not sure any other rookie, who is still learning the system and adjusting to the NFL, would start right away. Would Leon Hall start over Carlos Rogers at corner? Doubtful. Would Okoye even start over a healthy Golston/Griffin? Doubtful but let's hope he moves quickly into that starting lineup. Adrian Peterson would not start over Portis. Neither of the quarterbacks (Quinn, Russell) would. Joe Thomas over Jansen? Doubtful. Look at how young tackles like Gallery struggle. Samuels struggled a ton his rookie year. Again, the point of emphasis being "right out of camp."

Still, I agree that it is a strange statement particularly where the defense was so bad last year in so many spots.

Think Unsexy Thoughts anything is "possible" but the 'Skins having a turnaround like the Ravens is not probable. To compare the QB switch is laughable - McNair & Campbell are worlds apart in terms of experience, savy and skill. That by itself is HUGE. You failed to include the return of a healthy Ray Lewis. That makes for a 7 game improvement. Nothing here makes me confident the Skins can improve more than three games.

And Old School we don't have the coach. Gibbs is done as far as I'm concerned. Maybe if the players here held him in the esteem many fans do. But they don't. 1991 was a long fn time ago.

Oh, MV,

I was definitely not trying to establish a rule. I just posted the wiki-thing, ala Michael from the Office, because I thought it was interesting.

Nobody, especially not me in my relative newcomerishness, would ever go extremeskins here.

Just bloggin to 50K, baby.

#6LL- Teething is probably still about a month away. That sounds like it will be an, um, interesting time.

Im thinking Mike Mayock has it right. We trade the No. 6 pick to Atlanta for their No. 8 pick and one of their two 2nd rounders. They take Landry at 6, we take Jamaal Anderson at 8 and a guard with 2nd rd. pick. And how bout this for giggles: Jeff Smardjiza with one of our two 6th rd picks? Why not? He might change his mind ala Drew Henson or Bo Jackson, and what an asset he would be for such minimal risk.

Whoever gets drafted by the Redskins will need to earn their way onto the starting lineup. That's always how it works, on all NFL teams, with perhaps the exception of the most desperate.

Or should we encourage impatience in the Redskins coaching staff?

LH;

Our playoff run of 05 was pretty incredible. 5-6 and 3 division games remaining?

So was there none of Gibbs 'genius' on display during that run? So how excatly is he done? Technically he is not even running the O anymore, so his being done or not extends to his current role as motivator. And I think he still has that.

Do you guys really think our talent level is that bad??? I have had to defend us several times from the attacks of opposing fans who claim I/all Skins fans are crazy in that we always think the Skins are better than they are. But I legitimately think we are pretty close to being a great team............

Our D was incredible 2 yrs ago, and if everyone stays healthy this season, I see no reason why we can't replicate the success, particularly if we draft Okoye to fill-in for Salave'a/Golston.

Our offense has not been great, but we have 2 great RB's, a potentially solid WR core, Cooley, and a decent O-line. The only thing holding us back is QB play....

I know 'you are only as good as your record', and we are not deep, and thus susceptible to injuries, but our starters matchup pretty well with almost any team in the NFL. So no, I don't think Gibbs is that crazy to say that. Yes, there are obviously many prospects who could start for us right now, but we aren't in nearly as bad shape as Oakland.

The big difference, as I mentioned, is QB play...all the best teams have great QB play (Pats, Colts, Saints).

I think it's just a political statement. You can't say, 'yes, if we take x, he'll come in and start over y right away. Also, please call y's loved ones because he's underneath a bus.'

I just want good things. I want my parade. I was promised a parade...so...whenever you get a chance.

Larry Bud, Nathan Jr. is almost three and is nowhere near toilet-trained. He gets the concept but is just not interested, and we're not really pushing it. As long as he figures it out before college.

(For what it's worth, I call him Nathan Jr up here because that was the name of the Huffhines baby kidnapped by the well-intentioned but misguided McDunnoughs. Sometimes when I step out of our trailer in the morning, I reflect as to how similar I have become to H.I.)

I guess all you Gibbs haters are right. The old man is too old to coach. He has lost all his character and allowed our money hungry owner to corrupt him. The three super bowls he won mean nothing, cause Gibbs is too old, stupid, and stubburn to adapt to the modern NFL. He is going to do something really dumb in the draft, and the skins will go 3-13 this year becuase of his stupidity. They should pull his old a$$ out of the hall of fame becuase he has shown the Football world that it was not becuase of him the Redskins won three super bowls, it was the people around him that were great. As a redskins fan the best we can hope for is to get Bill Cower next year after snyder fires Gibbs. But then again it took him over 10 years to win a super bowl with the steelers, snyder nor the pessimistic fans on this idiotic blog have the patience for that.

Can we impeach $nyder? Not sure that works with Dictators, though.

I just want good things. I want my parade. I was promised a parade...so...

Perhaps you could sue him.

JUST SAY NO to Smardjzija is a definite injury risk ... specifically, to Sam Huff's tongue.

4-12;

heres to the little one not getting th top 4 and bottom two (which flank the original 2) all at once.

A good thing is that my son is flexing his voice box muscles at an early age so he might follow the misses and my skill with singing.

J-

There were a couple articles on Samardizhzjzjzaaa a profootballtalk.com..........from what i gathered, although drafting him seems like a good idea, any team drafting him only holds his rights for 1 year, so unless he leaves baseball in the next year, drafting him is apparently pointless. If a team does draft him, hold his rights and not sign him, he goes back into the draft pool (and the process could then be repeated I guess). If he goes undrafted for a year, then he is an unrestricted FA.

PFT was a bit confused though, as it seemed like Henson's rights were held for more than 1 year. But apparently there is not much point in drafting Samardizja right now as he got a pretty fat MLB contract

Speaking of the Dictators, when in Gotham I sometimes stop in at Manitoba's on Avenue A for a nightcap. Nice dingy rock 'n roll bar. Likely to be on the itinerary next Tuesday night.

Also, be on the lookout for these little teething sticks, akin to a ear swab, that has pink meds inside. Break off one end, the vacuum is broken, meds travel to other end of swab, right on the teeth.

Swabs Are great
little more drool
numbs the mouth

Jason,

Just wanted to let you know that ever since you called out Art at extremeskins, the guy has gone completely over the edge.

He banned three people today for criticizing Snyder. It's nuts.

I guess all you Gibbs haters are right. The old man is too old to coach.

Just win baby, and all will be forgiven. Until then, after three years and you still have a sub .500 record, well, you're pretty much left wide open to any and all criticism.

Love St. Joe. Not a Gibbs hater. Don't think he's too old to coach ... just think he's too optimistic to General Manage.

Smardjzija is a definite injury risk ... specifically, to Sam Huff's tongue.

Why is Sam licking him anyways? Seems like something we aught to not know or even suspect.

J, nice thought on Smardjiza. Definately worth the risk probably in the 7th round. We don't appear to have a deep history of keeping a majority of 6th and 7th round picks on the active roster anyways and barely even on the practice squad. Although you know that drafting Smardjiza would have the whole organization burned in effegy by Peter King, Mel Kiper et al. But if the Patriots pulled the same move in the 4th round they'd be geniuses. I guess that's the price you paid for taking the advice of the galactically stupid (Cousin Vinny) for so long

We've got those teething things ready to go at a moments notice.

cL and Nate- Supposedly boys take longer than girls to potty train. At least that's what they say. ("They" probably being Kiper and that Art fella from the extremeskins site)

If "they" are right, I'm glad I have a girl!

I'm with you Meg...

Winning cures all...all this second guessing. No one second guessed Gibbs when they won six straight. 5-11 brings all the critics. I think the Redskins will surprise because expectations are low and Gibbs thrives on that.

My prediction will be that the defense will be in the TOP 10 this year.

You know, frankly I get a little frustrated when others (WP journalists especially) throw their arms up in the air when Gibbs or other coaches fail to throw young players into the lineup quickly.

For example, years from now, NO ONE is ever going to criticize Gibbs for not starting Campbell until the 10th game or so of his second season. Despite the repeated claims from journalists (WP journalists especially) that Gibbs waited longer than most other coaches to start Campbell, the truth is a year and a half is hardly a long time for a QB with promise to sit and learn before starting. And of course the irony is that in the past week, the Post ran an article on how quarterbacks drafted high are frequently thrown into the starting lineup before they're ready, often to the detriment of their career.

Everyone knows the maturation process of a new player can take a while, and the pressures of the game can ruin a youngster if they're not ready. So why throw your arms up in the air when McIntosh doesn't start his rookie season, or Gibbs isn't willing to give the new guy a guaranteed starting position???

Megskin, agreed... win and all of this goes away.

speaking of, I sure as hell hope that happens this year!!!

I think our decision makers are flat out delusional.. Everyone from last offseason, save Golston and only because he outperformed his draft slot was a bust. This organizational structure, from owner thru the coachings staff is broken. We have too many chiefs but none of them seem to have a clue. $nyder is still WAY too involved in football operations. Vinny is a waste of space and money. There is no-one with a clear vision and purpose for the team. Grilliams is the defensive guru but the team gets players that don't fit his scheme. Saunders is the offensive guru but seems to be on a different page than Gibbs on basic offensive concept. Why would anyone have confidence that things would be any better with this draft?

Does anyone else out there think Landry and/or Gaines Adams would be likely Day 1 starters for the Redskins?

I see it as possible that Landry could blow away the coaches with his ability to pick up the schemes and his assignments, but not likely. Maybe a 30% chance he starts day one.

Gaines Adams would have virtually NO chance of starting day one (assuming no noe egets hurt). Adams is another Andre Carter (this is the reason the Redskins shouldn't pick him). THe Reskins aren't going to start Carter? They are going to put a rookie in for Daniels and lose Daniels' bulk?

The only LIKELY starter, day 1, out of the top 10 is Calvin Johnson.

I agree that it is possible the top guard could start for the Redksins, but he's not getting picked in the top 10 and I don't think it's likely he'd beat out Wade either.

Mexico Dan why so extreme? No one said that Gibbs could never coach. I certainly appreciate his contributions to the franchise but that does not immunize him against criticism.

We're not the only one's dreaming about Smardzija...

http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/04/about_samardzija_mlivers_are_r.html

LH

I gonna let it play out before I say Joe has lost his fastball. Joe is the best coach we have had since he was here the first time. He brings credibility and even the modern players respect him. he backs his guys to the end.

Now I don't know if he gets it done. I do like the way he approaches it, not afraid to change his ways, doesn't let his ego stand in the way of the team.He has a hand in the mess but it a was a bigger mess before he came back. I think we have bottomed with the disaster that was last year, crushed under the hype of being a contender, now we can build under the radar and bounce back.

This is a big year because the way it turns out may confirm what kind of team we really are, a 10 loss kind team or 9/10 win kind of team

I am gonna let play out. cause I think we are stable and have something to build around. They are going to make deals and get players and spend money every year, i happen to think we are finnally doing it from a position of strenght as opposed to hope or desparation.

Well, the downside of winning this year is that we'd end up with, say, the 23rd pick in the draft (unless we trade it away on Saturday). With the 23rd pick, you can't have these spirited Landry/Okoye debates but you have to speculate on "best player available" which is really boring. We'd never hit 50K.

Pessimism, esp. w/o good quality snark and wise cracks, is not the way to get to 50k by draft day. That's just thread killer. We need to get back to haiku, or maybe teething and diapers for a while.

Q to Nate: The goal is for 50k posts by Roger Goodall saying GO. Do we get any credit for actually READING these posts? The rate here is killing me, but I'm keeping up with my reading and would like a small cookie or something. thx in advance.

I'd comment more...but the hardcore football stuff bores me (my personal vow is to never, ever get excited about this team again until it's time to actually get excited about something).

BTW, should I bother even using my season tickets this year? The travel is a pain in the neck, the stadium is so inconveniently located, the team is so bad, etc.

Can we all attack a hypothetical? Let's take a crack at this one, then someone else can pose another one.

Assuming Russelll, Johnson, Peterson, Adams and Thomas go in that order, and the Redskins have the choice of picking at 6 or dropping to 9 and picking up pick #60 but missing out on Quinn, Landry and Okoye at 6,7,8, what do you do?

So why throw your arms up in the air when McIntosh doesn't start his rookie season,

Because Warrick Holdman was so bad it was laughable. If you have any games from last season saved someplace, go back and watch him play-to-play. But bring a boohoo towel (or whatever it was Boofer called it) because it is downright embarrassing and sad.

Landry would start. He is the best defensive secondary talent since (drum roll) Sean effin Taylor.

With that said, DON'T DRAFT AT 6!!! (See Megskin argument regarding NO PICKS) Please trade down for some addtn'l picks, or at the least grab a D lineman...

Whats everyone doin Sat? Raising families and stuff? Looney's B'more???

Ricky? Come on buddy...I'll drive.

PG

I would be happy with an earned 23rd pick next year. This years equivalent of a 9-7 record or a 4 game improvement and a playoff berth. We could then be talking much more about free agents!

One thing that Snyder said at the presser that did intrigue me was his mention of the trading of a following year 2nd round pick for the 3rd round choice that landed Cooley. Snyder asked if making a trade like that is worthwhile if you rank the player higher than what you're giving up (a 2nd round pick).

By that logic, if for example the Redskins see a player available in the 2nd round that they rate as 1st round material, they could choose to trade next year's #1 for a 2nd round pick this year.

Anyone care to comment?

I think it was a boohoo box. I loved that phrase. I miss Boofer.

We need to get back to haiku, or maybe teething and diapers for a while.

Or perhaps Haikus about wearing diapers and teething? Not sure I want to read about that today.

Anyone care to comment?

Posted by: Johnnie Futbol | April 25, 2007 02:22 PM

Yeah. F Snyder.

I think you're right Diddy. Boofer was definitely good for aggravating people enough to post more, if just to yell at him to shut up.

Given the coice between staying at 6 and taking Landry or Okoye or trading to 9 and picking up 60, I'd trade to 9, take Anderson, and get a good coverage guy with 60

Johnnie Futbol - I think there's a logical break between giving up next year's 2nd round pick for talent in this year's 3rd round who you have rated as 2nd round talent, and trading next year's 1st round pick for a pick in this year's 2nd. It is very unlikely top 10 talent falls to second round.

Because Warrick Holdman was so bad it was laughable. If you have any games from last season saved someplace, go back and watch him play-to-play. But bring a boohoo towel (or whatever it was Boofer called it) because it is downright embarrassing and sad.

Posted by: Megskin | April 25, 2007 02:21 PM

Yes, that may be so. But who's to say the Redskins had any reason to believe McIntosh would've been much better? Maybe they figured McIntosh needed more time to develop, and what's wrong with that anyways?

Everyone was happy with Campbell's performance as a starting QB, but it didn't result in a better winning percentage for the team.

I just think the decision to start a rookie is not a simple as many believe.

Assuming Russelll, Johnson, Peterson, Adams and Thomas go in that order, and the Redskins have the choice of picking at 6 or dropping to 9 and picking up pick #60 but missing out on Quinn, Landry and Okoye at 6,7,8, what do you do?

No one else will chime in on this?

sween, ask and ye shall receive:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cookie

Thanks to everybody for ratcheting up the participation level. Whether it's for 50k or not, the conversation up here is dynamite. (Well, a little too much football perhaps, but that will pass soon enough.) Good work. Keep it going!

I feel like whenever two or more of us are gathered, BOOFER is there.

LB, no harm done
Hope I didn't sound too harsh
It's all in good fun

How about this one:

EFF the Cowboys!

I'd trade back to #9 and then hope to be able to trade back again, maybe somebody would want Willis enough to give up a 5th or something. If Anderson, Branch, Carriker are all still on the board there's no need in choosing, beg someone to give up anything and keep moving back. Then draft Grubbs and keep the Offensive mo' going with the OLine

The whole Rocky v Warrick argument is founded in the fact that Grilliams ego = his chin x's a sideways 8. As soon as we hit loss 8 or 9, Rocky should have been starting, and I think the blog will have those thougts archived pretty accurately.

having # 9 and #60 is my dream scenario. but it wont happen, if it did I would take either Carriker or Anderson with #9 and with # 60 the best of either a LG or FS.

I dont know any of the options past the first round, b/c I dont pay any attention to college ball or later rounds of the draft. I will read up on the players drafted by the Skins and immediately start claiming how amazing they are going to be!!!

Anonymous, in that scenario you trade down. You must trade down. Too many holes on this team to refuse adding a day one pick in this draft. As long as the first round pick (and hopefully the second, in your scenario) are on defense I'll be happy.

With my preference stated as trading down to #9 and picking up #60, I must add I'd be very, very happy staying at #6 and taking Landry. I think he can cover and has the physicality to really intimdate alongside Taylor.

Okoye at 6 is my 3rd choice, but I'd be comfortable with it.

Your Tuna left
Terrel O. fears the reaper
Romo likes to cry

Eff the Cowboys!

*Your Tuna jetted

sorry!

Fifty Thousand Posts,
Nearly within our clutches.
"This Blog Stinks." Helps us.

Inigo -

LG or FS over D-lineman huh? I think I'd be so happy w/ a 60 spot, they could pick a kicker and I'd be fine. Kathy I. available?

Gibby,

Can you elaborate on your trade down scenario? Who would trade with us for #9? Where would we end up? Who would you be hoping to take? What would the Redskins get to trade down?

And Nate, sorry for the anonymous post - forgot to throw my dyslexia-inducing name on there.

I am loving the haiku. People need to start bringing these on cardboard signs to games and get them on televison.

Once it becomes tradition, fans can unite to make all haiku signs at the stadium address firing Snyder.

Get Peterson if he's available. The trade with the bears would be complete. They just lost T Jones. We could get what ever we wanted plus a pick and the Linebacker

I think Gibbs' statements re: rookies and starting immediately are due to two major factors. First, Gibbs, like many other veteran coaches, likes veterans and distrusts rookies. As examples of this, I would cite his hesitancy to yank Brunnell in favor of Campbell and his insistance on having a veteran QB around, no matter how talented/promising his younger signal callers might be. And how often, under Gibbs, have the 'Skins started any rookie from Day 1, on either side of the ball? There may have been a very few such times, but none come immediately to mind. Part of this may be due to the fact that the Redskins under coach Joe have almost always been picking toward the end of round 1 (that is, when they've had a first round pick at all), and are therefore not usually picking some hotshot rookie whom everyone expects to come in and start right away.

Second, I think Gibbs wants to lower expectations for whomever the Redskins choose so that that person doesn't come to camp thinking that he has to be great right away, or he'll be a failure.

Another reson not to get a WR/Calvin, The Soup had quite a few pickles last year and am sure Gibbs will keep to a 60+% Running game, not giving Calvin the catches he needs to max his value.

No to WR, Or Trading UP, yes to Okoye....and MSU Punter Fields and QB Drew Stanton if available.

sween, I'm with you on how tough it is to keep up right now. I'm at least 14 minutes behind and struggling to catch up. And then figuring out what I want to say once I get caught up? Ridiculous!

Niiiiiiice, MrSpartan.

Peeps drool for first picks
Some don't trust rooks in diapers
Drooling but busting

We could call ourselves the NFL Prose.

Nate,

Does Mrs. McDunnough make good cereal flakes and are you still livin the salad days or are you eatin crawdads and sand in prison?

Glover Park's in the house, represent, represent...sorry, had to drop some Tribe.

My three days before the draft gut check. Here is what will happen. The Skins are going to try as hard as they can, with everything in their power to land Calvin Johnson. It will fail, because Atlanta will have more to offer most likely. Then, after this failure, they will attempt to trade down very hard, and I think this will fail too. Is the 6th pick worth the 16th and a third rounder? I doubt it. Then they stand pat and take Landry and enjoy the anger of the streets unleashed on Sundays.

In the small chance they trade down, I think they will target Alan Branch. I don't know why, I just feel like they need a man upfront, not children not equipped yet for Sundays.

Second point, I received the Adam Archuletta Freak of Nature Workout video. I watched it on my laptop guzzling a 40 oz. of Olde English. SON!!! I decided I would dedicate myself to the workout for 2 months and see what happens.

I had session number one yesterday. After 20 minutes total of the lower body, leg workout, two things happened: 1) I almost threw up. Seriously. Hasn't happened in years. 2) I can barely walk today.

"Awful nice cereal flakes, Mrs. McDunnough."

Fantastic turn by William Forsythe, and perhaps John Goodman's greatest role ever, as Evelle and Gale Snoats. What a great movie.

Loving the Roll Call
Nate, you kick serious a**
Feels like October

Dame,

"LB, no harm done
Hope I didn't sound too harsh
It's all in good fun"

You rhymed it! That's soooo against the rules.

I agree with everybody that said, the statement was made more for the vets. on the team and doesn't neccesarily reflect anything that Gibbs may really be thinking. He may be thinking that some people could start, but it sends a message of confidence to everyone that already starts. And I'm sure that after last year, there are a lot of players in need of some confidence.

I say trade down this weekend, pick a quality DT and then select for depth based on the best available athletes with whatever picks we've got.

I suspect this regime will seek to build stability this year, then next offseason trade away all picks and finagle the cap to add one or two big names for a push. It will be year five of the second coming after all.

Didn't try to rhyme
It has no place in haiku
Just did it one time

MV Dame, here's a cookie for you and everybody else reading all the posts. And this one is actually related to football, imagine that!

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

I love this freakin' blog!

Big Expectations.
"The draft can save the Redskins!"
Hangdog by game six.

Oops.

I think the NFL has become a giant money-laundering machine, and as such, there is a behind-the-scenes conspiracy to spread all the dough around to various teams. It doesn't really matter how much talent a team has or how overall draft talent is distributed among teams -- whichever team is "supposed" to go to the playoffs or the Super Bowl, under the conspiracy, will get there, with the "help" of all the other teams, even if it means inexplicably terrible play by extraordinarily gifted players and surreal double-speak on the parts of coaches.

I'm not complaining about the blog workload I can go for hours! That is till I hit that third growler tonight.

Gimme that baby, you warthog from hell!

Also Holly Hunter's best after maybe Oh, Brother...

Gov,

I'd like remind you of blog rule 312.14.77.C, which, stipulates "Now that Archabingus, AKA ArchKarrai, ArchDeluxe, ArchbacktotheRams, etc etc, has been contractually excused from the Organization, any and all mentions of the "arch" must and will be accompanied by due mention of his spouse..."

Don't worry gov - I'll pick you up -

http://www.jenniferwalcott.com/home/index.html

bo knows this, WHAT?

Well, I'm not a bit worried.
The Redskins have already told us:

"We have a plan."!

Nate, thanks for the cookie. Joe Gibs needs to draft a smart cookie -- correction, super smart cookie.

I immediately regret my previous post.

MrSpartan, too much feminine whimsy in "super smart cookie"?

sween only isf you lissssp when you say it.

Are there any top 15 guys who are known to be extremely smart? Super smart cookie smart? I think I recall reading that Okoye and Anderson excelled in high school, but I haven't read anything about how they are perceived today.

I took a break and missed a few posts, but draftees who could/should start for us in week 1:

Definitely:
-Calvin Johnson
-Mason Crosby (the kicker)

Almost Definitely:
-Landry

Probably:
-Jamaal Anderson (over Daniels)
-Okoye (over Salave'a)
-Carriker
-Branch
-Jarvis Moss
-Ben Grubbs (OG)

Maybe:
-Gaines Addams (as he is too similar to Carter)
-Robert Meacham
-Dwayne Bowe
-Justin Harrell (over Salave'a)
-Reggie Nelson
-Brandon Meriwether
-Dwayne Jarret
-Sidney Rice

this list is getting too long and i undoubtedly already left out a few players.............

The conspiracy theory sounds a little out there, but it does explain the way Skins games are officiated. I don't know if any other team has had as many terrible decisions on replay reviews. I still can't get over the call at the end of the regular season game in Tampa Bay in 2005.

Jon - Is that Jaamal Anderson over a healthy Daniels? Or a banged up Daniels? Other than that, I'd agree with the majority of your list.

So, putting my joh McLaughlin hat on for a second:

Here's a topic: Rich Little blew at the correspondents dinner.

What say you, Eleanor Cliff? Wrong!!!!!

He is a genius of vocal talent and wit and has a legion of loyal fans, myself included.

(haltingly) I... thought... he... was... SPOT ON!