Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

I think this offseason so far has shown the front office is learning from past mistakes. It certainly hasn't been a typical Redskins offseason that's for sure.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

I agree matty. This year is actually quite refreshing. I like everything we have done so far. I like the approach and effort from the front office to not screw up. I too believe they have learned valueable lessons from past mistakes and are willing to be patient and selective. I have to be honest though, I can see how people outside redskin nation have viewed us in the past, as I sit and watch all these other teams throw BIG money at undeserving players.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[quote=SkinEmAll;285866]I agree matty. This year is actually quite refreshing. I like everything we have done so far. I like the approach and effort from the front office to not screw up. I too believe they have learned valueable lessons from past mistakes and are willing to be patient and selective. I have to be honest though, I can see how people outside redskin nation have viewed us in the past, as I sit and watch all these other teams throw BIG money at undeserving players.[/quote]


I don't lose any more sleep over what non-Redskins fans think of the Redskins than I do over what other countries think of the United States. Who cares what ESPN or France think? Certainly not me.

There is only one team that had a successful season last year and that was the Colts. Do you think Chargers fans feel like they accomplished anything? Or Patriots fans? The Philadelphia Eagles, who are treated in the press like the Yankees of the 1950s, have never won a Super Bowl. At the end of the day (and this is just me) the Eagles have been no more successful than the Skins over the last ten years because they haven't won anything.

Also, there are certain things you have to do well to win it all and on some of those things, the Redskins are miles ahead of teams that had better records last year or went to the playoffs. If we keep our heads in the draft and don't have any big injuries, I believe we will be a threat.

All of that to say I agree that we have been smarter this off-season, so far. If Ladell Betts ends up somewhere else, we'll be right back to square one.

This Shanahan fellow worries me. I'm not convinced a blockbuster deal would serve us that well. I think we can pick up draft picks without taking on Bly. I would prefer to pacify Springs and have him instead. If he's healthy, he's a great football player. Denver always seems to bleed that extra concession from us. They always get the extra little perk that swings the deal in their favor.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[quote]I don't lose any more sleep over what non-Redskins fans think of the Redskins than I do over what other countries think of the United States. Who cares what ESPN or France think?[/quote]
I find this a difficult stance to defend in the sports arena and most definitely in the political arena. You want to make yourself look like a place people want to go. Not just for the huge amounts of cash but for winning. A lot of that is portraying the image of a stable team with a good coaching staff and a chance to always be competing in the playoffs. Since we don't have any of the above, we substitute loads of money to attract free agents. Oh, and last I checked. France was right.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[quote=Daseal;285888]I find this a difficult stance to defend in the sports arena and most definitely in the political arena. You want to make yourself look like a place people want to go. Not just for the huge amounts of cash but for winning. A lot of that is portraying the image of a stable team with a good coaching staff and a chance to always be competing in the playoffs. Since we don't have any of the above, we substitute loads of money to attract free agents. Oh, and last I checked. France was right.[/quote]

Yet people flock here and not to France. But politics aside, losing in the playoffs every year is not winning. The Broncos were no more winners last year than we were. The point is we are making a move away from the marketing approach to a more sound football approach, I think. The draft will tell us more. At any rate, no matter what we do ESPN and the fans of other teams will see us how they see us. I don't care. We know from the Art Monk thing that their opinions can be quite absurd. I think the caricature of the Redskins is overdone and it grieves me that some fans have bought into it. It's masochistic self-loathing. But there seems to be a good deal of that abroad in the land.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[quote=70Chip;285904]Yet people flock here and not to France. But politics aside, losing in the playoffs every year is not winning. The Broncos were no more winners last year than we were. The point is we are making a move away from the marketing approach to a more sound football approach, I think. The draft will tell us more. At any rate, no matter what we do ESPN and the fans of other teams will see us how they see us. I don't care. We know from the Art Monk thing that their opinions can be quite absurd. I think the caricature of the Redskins is overdone and it grieves me that some fans have bought into it. It's masochistic self-loathing. But there seems to be a good deal of that abroad in the land.[/quote]


I think I hear what you're saying 70. I tend to lean toward agreeing with you. But show me a Redskin fan that wouldn't trade a few of those losing seasons for a couple of heart breaking playoff appearances, and I'll show you someone who is being less than honest.

The fact is, getting close 'feels' better than flat out losing year in and year out. No one wants to be associated with being a chronic loser.

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[QUOTE=70Chip;285904]Yet people flock here and not to France. But politics aside, losing in the playoffs every year is not winning. The Broncos were no more winners last year than we were. The point is we are making a move away from the marketing approach to a more sound football approach, I think. The draft will tell us more. At any rate, no matter what we do ESPN and the fans of other teams will see us how they see us. I don't care. We know from the Art Monk thing that their opinions can be quite absurd. I think the caricature of the Redskins is overdone and it grieves me that some fans have bought into it. It's masochistic self-loathing. But there seems to be a good deal of that abroad in the land.[/QUOTE]

If you think Denver and Washington were the same last year you know less about football thank I think you do. Losing in the playoffs is not winning a championship but its not losing and over the past 14 years or so Denver has been winning and the Skins havent.

I see no evidence that this team is doing anything much different. They are just doing less of the usual (well maybe that is something different). When they start winning (or not winning as you say) then I'll believe something has changed.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

What is it going to take for you to be mildly satisfied irish?

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[QUOTE=SmootSmack;285926]What is it going to take for you to be mildly satisfied irish?[/QUOTE]

2 or 3 straight years of being in the playoffs.

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psssssst - the broncos didn't make the playoffs last year, and I think they've only won 1 playoff game since 2000.

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[QUOTE=irish;285927]2 or 3 straight years of being in the playoffs.[/QUOTE]

So let's say we make the playoffs next year, we can expect more of the same from you for another year or two after that?

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[QUOTE=SmootSmack;285929]So let's say we make the playoffs next year, we can expect more of the same from you for another year or two after that?[/QUOTE]

Maybe (and making the playoffs will be a stretch next year).

What am I saying that is untrue?

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[QUOTE=irish;285931]Maybe. What am I saying that is so bad or untrue?[/QUOTE]

I'm just saying, I think we're making some smart moves dating back to re-signing Betts during the season. I think others would agree, others would disagree as well. But I guess I'm just asking would success this season mean anything to you and it seems like I wouldn't. Am I right?

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[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;285928]psssssst - the broncos didn't make the playoffs last year, and I think they've only won 1 playoff game since 2000.[/quote]

DAMN THAT JOE2!!! He hosed up Denver Toooo!!!!!!!!!!!

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[quote=SmootSmack;285934]I'm just saying, I think we're making some smart moves dating back to re-signing Betts during the season. I think others would agree, others would disagree as well. But I guess I'm just asking would success this season mean anything to you and it seems like I wouldn't. Am I right?[/quote]

Nicely done Taf.........err, Fred

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[QUOTE=SmootSmack;285934]I'm just saying, I think we're making some smart moves dating back to re-signing Betts during the season. I think others would agree, others would disagree as well. But I guess I'm just asking would success this season mean anything to you and it seems like I wouldn't. Am I right?[/QUOTE]

It would be a step in the right direction thats for sure. I thought 2005 was a step in the right direction but then last season came along and made 2005 appear to be anomaly. It the Skins make the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 then I'll believe 2006 was the anomaly but until they start really moving in the right direction its hard for me to buy into what they are doing because it hasnt worked yet.

BTW. Every year everybody on here thinks the moves made were smart and just what the team needed, this year is no exception. We'll find out how smart these moves were in Dec 07.

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Does anyone else think that simply it was because of key injuries on both sides of the ball to people who are arguably their best offensive and defensive players?

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[quote=irish;285940]It would be a step in the right direction thats for sure. I thought 2005 was a step in the right direction but then last season came along and made 2005 appear to be anomaly. It the Skins make the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 then I'll believe 2006 was the anomaly but until they start really moving in the right direction its hard for me to buy into what they are doing because it hasnt worked yet.

BTW. Every year everybody on here thinks the moves made were smart and just what the team needed, this year is no exception. We'll find out how smart these moves were in Dec 07.[/quote]

FYI Irish,
I, and many like me don't think each move the Skin's make, and will make are in the right direction, or decision. Their recent history has proven that. I choose to paint things in a generally positive light, rather than a generally negative one.

Does anyone else think that simply it was because of key injuries on both sides of the ball to people who are arguably their best offensive and defensive players?

It certainly killed an already reeling D

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

One injury to our best defensive player at a very inappropriate time was the key. Springs rarely plays the whole season, but he almost always plays at least 13 games. It was the timing of the surgery that changed that. (If the surgery had been done after the prior season, he probably would have had a season like the ones before it.) After pushing to get back in the lineup, naturally he was injured since the rest of his body didn't have time to strengthen.

I might note that it was not one but two important injuries on the offense. (Don't forget Brunell.)

Let's hope there's no more "friendly fire" injuries (Taylor) or we won't have a secondary. (Springs and Smoot)

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;285943]Does anyone else think that simply it was because of key injuries on both sides of the ball to people who are arguably their best offensive and defensive players?[/quote]

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[quote=irish;285925]If you think Denver and Washington were the same last year you know less about football thank I think you do. Losing in the playoffs is not winning a championship but its not losing and over the past 14 years or so Denver has been winning and the Skins havent.

I see no evidence that this team is doing anything much different. They are just doing less of the usual (well maybe that is something different). When they start winning (or not winning as you say) then I'll believe something has changed.[/quote]


My thing is that with all the trouble in the world, football is the one area where I am satified to be happy and not right. If you can't be optimistic about the Redskins, even if it takes some doing, then you may as well be doing your taxes. This is not to say that we can't criticize, but at times certain posters here seem never to approve of anything the team does. At the same time they are all too eager to talk about what a great job this or that team does. I don't think being a fan means being relentlessly optimistic, but I also think that sometimes it helps to silence the inner critic and enjoy the thing. If they were paying me to be a fan, I might take a different attitude, but there not and never will, so I choose to find other areas of life in which to be miserable. Football should be fun.

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[QUOTE=70Chip;286066]My thing is that with all the trouble in the world, football is the one area where I am satified to be happy and not right. If you can't be optimistic about the Redskins, even if it takes some doing, then you may as well be doing your taxes. This is not to say that we can't criticize, but at times certain posters here seem never to approve of anything the team does. At the same time they are all too eager to talk about what a great job this or that team does. I don't think being a fan means being relentlessly optimistic, but I also think that sometimes it helps to silence the inner critic and enjoy the thing. If they were paying me to be a fan, I might take a different attitude, but there not and never will, so I choose to find other areas of life in which to be miserable. Football should be fun.[/QUOTE]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like I (and others here) have been saying this for years. I know some people here like to label Matty and myself as Redskins' apologists (Danny's kids is what I believe we've been called a few times) but it probably seems that way because we feel (well I feel) compelled to counter all the constant negativity that spews from the keyboards of some posters here.

Obviously this team is not without its faults but there are problems league wide with each and every team. It's convenient, I suppose, to think every team is awesome and we suck and will always suck. You probably can never be disappointed that way since you expect nothing. But it's just not the way I want to look at things. I'd love to have the life of the person here who's biggest worry is the Redskins.

Anyway, I digres....what was this thread about again?

Re: Insider info on Smoot from ESPN
 

[quote=SmootSmack;286081]Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like I (and others here) have been saying this for years. I know some people here like to label Matty and myself as Redskins' apologists (Danny's kids is what I believe we've been called a few times) but it probably seems that way because we feel (well I feel) compelled to counter all the constant negativity that spews from the keyboards of some posters here.

Obviously this team is not without its faults but there are problems league wide with each and every team. It's convenient, I suppose, to think every team is awesome and we suck and will always suck. You probably can never be disappointed that way since you expect nothing. But it's just not the way I want to look at things. I'd love to have the life of the person here who's biggest worry is the Redskins.

Anyway, I digres....what was this thread about again?[/quote]

Smoot... I was starting to wonder the same thing.. what did I start this thread about that has turned into this huge philosophical discussion. There are a lot of good points and I agree the negativity can be tiresome, and trust me I get down on this team. But as 70 said this is football and it is fun. I love talking about, but I think we are doing good and I have optimism for 2007... Super Bowl baby!! and if I was a Texans fan I would have the same thoughts. We love this team cause of tracitional and what it stands for. It is an escape from our day to day lives and lets us have hope and despair. Do you not think for the past few years Colts fans have thought Peyton is the best QB in the league, but damn does he suck when the big game is on the line.. they had problems too, but now look at them, they are on top of the world. I will forever be in love with this team and always bleed Burgandy and Gold, but after the game is done, I still have laundry to do, or bills to pay. It is just a game and lets all have the hope and faith that this year will be our year.... there are 31 other teams out there saying the same thing.

Hail the Redskins!!

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[quote=SmootSmack;286081]Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like I (and others here) have been saying this for years. I know some people here like to label Matty and myself as Redskins' apologists (Danny's kids is what I believe we've been called a few times) but it probably seems that way because we feel (well I feel) compelled to counter all the constant negativity that spews from the keyboards of some posters here.

Obviously this team is not without its faults but there are problems league wide with each and every team. It's convenient, I suppose, to think every team is awesome and we suck and will always suck. You probably can never be disappointed that way since you expect nothing. But it's just not the way I want to look at things. I'd love to have the life of the person here who's biggest worry is the Redskins.

Anyway, I digres....what was this thread about again?[/quote]


AMEN !!! I am with you a hundred percent. Not to get this thread going in yet another direction, but sometimes its just dreadful negativity boiling over and I just have to move on. Its supposed to be fun, we're fans.

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[QUOTE=SmootSmack;286081]Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like I (and others here) have been saying this for years. I know some people here like to label Matty and myself as Redskins' apologists (Danny's kids is what I believe we've been called a few times) but it probably seems that way because we feel (well I feel) compelled to counter all the constant negativity that spews from the keyboards of some posters here.

Obviously this team is not without its faults but there are problems league wide with each and every team. It's convenient, I suppose, to think every team is awesome and we suck and will always suck. You probably can never be disappointed that way since you expect nothing. But it's just not the way I want to look at things. I'd love to have the life of the person here who's biggest worry is the Redskins.

Anyway, I digres....what was this thread about again?[/QUOTE]

I dont believe I am negative. I do believe I am honest and realistic about the Redskins (something I think most on here are not). Unfortunately in those realistic assessments I end up sounding negative because since 1993 the Redskins have not done much posative. I wish this wasnt the case but it is.

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maybe sometimes its better to look at the glass half full, instead of half empty?

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[quote=SmootSmack;286081]I'd love to have the life of the person here who's biggest worry is the Redskins.[/quote]

Me, too because I would be Joe Gibbs (or Dan Snyder or a current player or Vinny Cerrato or ....someone else with some cash).

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[quote=irish;286225]I dont believe I am negative. I do believe I am honest and realistic about the Redskins (something I think most on here are not). Unfortunately in those realistic assessments I end up sounding negative because since 1993 the Redskins have not done much posative. I wish this wasnt the case but it is.[/quote]

You may not see it or want to admit it, but you do tend to slant to the negative side of things. I'll admit I tend to lean towards the positive. Nothing wrong with either, it would be kinda boring if we all felt one way.

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[quote=Mattyk72;286237]You may not see it or want to admit it, but you do tend to slant to the negative side of things. I'll admit I tend to lean towards the positive. Nothing wrong with either, it would be kinda boring if we all felt one way.[/quote]

Nice positive slant on the negative

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[QUOTE=Hog1;286245]Nice positive slant on the negative[/QUOTE]

LOL Good one!