Big contracts = big pressure
 

I was just reading today's WP article about Andre Carter and he mentioned the pressure that comes along with the big contact he signed. Archuleta has also said that he had trouble this year dealing with the pressure that comes with the big contract.

It's an interesting theory to consider that perhaps one of the factors that played into our downfall his year may have been very simple... pressure.

Not only with the contracts, but the pressure of the high expectations. Bringing in an offensive guru in Saunders, the all-star collection of coaches here, and right from day one in camp Mark Brunell stated that anything less than a Super Bowl was going to be a disappointment this season. I understand that all teams to a degree have this mentality in August, but I think for the Skins they definitely felt under the gun to produce a Super Bowl season this year. It was Gibbs' 3rd year, time to turn the corner, etc.

In summary, I think one of the main reasons for our downfall this year was the pressure, the pressure of winning, the pressure of living up to the big contracts, and the pressure of having an all-star cast of coaches.

Thoughts?

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=Mattyk72;256569]I was just reading today's WP article about Andre Carter and he mentioned the pressure that comes along with the big contact he signed. Archuleta has also said that he had trouble this year dealing with the pressure that comes with the big contract.

It's an interesting theory to consider that perhaps one of the factors that played into our downfall his year may have been very simple... pressure.

Not only with the contracts, but the pressure of the high expectations. Bringing in an offensive guru in Saunders, the all-star collection of coaches here, and right from day one in camp Mark Brunell stated that anything less than a Super Bowl was going to be a disappointment this season. I understand that all teams to a degree have this mentality in August, but I think for the Skins they definitely felt under the gun to produce a Super Bowl season this year. It was Gibbs' 3rd year, time to turn the corner, etc.

In summary, I think one of the main reasons for our downfall this year was the pressure, the pressure of winning, the pressure of living up to the big contracts, and the pressure of having an all-star cast of coaches.

Thoughts?[/quote]

and the pressure of we fans & the Danny wanting to win so bad.
you might've summed up the Danny's whole organizational model - big$ & big pressure.
I think you're right & that after a year to settle things down & gell, we should be better off in 007. I don't think we have a contender just yet, maybe in 08 if we can get some youth & depth.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

You know, Gibbs signed a five year deal. In the pressers early on, he stated that he wanted to return the francise to the greatness of it's glory years. Something that the fans could be proud of. He has 2+ years left to accomplish that goal. Apologies for the slight deviation. to much F'n and A'n going on this am

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;256569]I was just reading today's WP article about Andre Carter and he mentioned the pressure that comes along with the big contact he signed. Archuleta has also said that he had trouble this year dealing with the pressure that comes with the big contract.

It's an interesting theory to consider that perhaps one of the factors that played into our downfall his year may have been very simple... pressure.

Not only with the contracts, but the pressure of the high expectations. Bringing in an offensive guru in Saunders, the all-star collection of coaches here, and right from day one in camp Mark Brunell stated that anything less than a Super Bowl was going to be a disappointment this season. I understand that all teams to a degree have this mentality in August, but I think for the Skins they definitely felt under the gun to produce a Super Bowl season this year. It was Gibbs' 3rd year, time to turn the corner, etc.

In summary, I think one of the main reasons for our downfall this year was the pressure, the pressure of winning, the pressure of living up to the big contracts, and the pressure of having an all-star cast of coaches.

Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

There is some truth to this, however these two players (Arch & A. Carter) came in from teams that really did not want them anymore. These two already came in with a rep of under acheiveing at times, eventhough they also had moments of greatness.
Arch had a rep of being weak in coverage and A.Carter as a tweener LB/DE no real home. This has pretty much continued with Redskins.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I've thought about this a lot. Not just in football, but professional sports in general.

This is a really interesting topic. First of all, I'm of the opinion that more money doesn't mean more production. How much more, physically, can one get out of his body and mind. Either it's there or it isn't

Which brings us to this, if the player has an 'off' year he is immediately considered a bust. So the mentality is, I have to live up to this contract or people will ride me.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

That's a funny sig 12th. :)

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Matty, I feel like pressure is something that all professional atheletes have to deal with. Some players respond well to the pressure and some do not. Unfortunately, and I know this parallel has probably been made before, the Redskins are a lot like the Yankees, who I despise, in that both teams love picking up big free agents. And very much like A-Rod for the Yankees, some of our off season acquisitions have not produced like we thought they would. However, the Yankees have also picked up free agents that have played well for them like Clemens and Sheffield. Maybe some of our latest additions need to ask other pro atheletes how they deal with pressure, I really think that pressure is something that a pro should expect to deal with. In addition, I think the pressure could be even more next year because they failed so badly this year. What if they worry too much about screwing up another season?
I guess the point I'm trying to make through all that babble is that playing poorly because of pressure is not an acceptable reason to play poorly to me. Pressure is something that should not hold them back, and if it is, they need to find some way to deal with it. Maybe Gibbs should bring in a sports psychologist because we cannot let another season pass us bye because our players can't handle something that most pro athletes deal with all the time.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

No doubt pressure is an issue, but I agree that pro athletes need to be ready to deal with this.

Also, Gibbs always "brags on" the character of his players. Clearly, one important character trait is dealing with big money. Coles, Portis, Washington, Griffen--they did it. AA and Carter (who is clearly adapting) need to step up and do the things they are physically capable of doing (maybe AA isn't physically capable--another theory ;) ). Not that anyone is denying this obvious truism.

On the bright side, Carter shows that pressure can be handled. If you can't physically do things, then there's no solution.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I think its an excuse. Professional athletes are paid to produce, and many do. Santana Moss got a fat contract and delivered the goods. Being a pro means getting paid large sums of money to deliver on the field. It also means taking personal responsibility when you fail to deliver and correcting the situation.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I've heard there is a great deal of pressure on an athlete when they have to buy a 4 million dollar house and then have to spend another two million remodeling it. Once these guys get their MTV cribs in order we will be all good.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I don't really buy the pressure excuse either.

The NFL is under such a microscope these days that I think everyone feels some type of pressure (players, coaches, etc.). Besides, AA, Carter, etc. already received their big checks. We could cut AA tomorrow and he'd still walk away with over $10M. So where exactly is the pressure?

If anyone should feel pressure it's the Ryan Clarks of the world. These are the fringe players that live paycheck to paycheck while trying to establish NFL careers. For these guys it may be the difference between a long NFL career and hundreds of thousands of dollars, or returning to a blue-collar job in the real world. In that respect I can understand why they'd feel pressure.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

As far as Brunell's preseason comments about getting to the Super Bowl are concerned, I bet he said that because he knew that he obviously wouldn't be around much longer. He's getting older and the team had a lot invested in Campbell, so Brunell knew that for this season it was basically Super Bowl or bust. I guess he busted.

On a different note, do guys like Adam Abercrombie really feel all that much pressure to perform well after they get that fat signing bonus? I know that these guys obviously have a ton of pride in their game and they don't want to look like fools, but if they know they're set for life do they feel the same need to work their a$$es off?
I guess the answer to that question is sort of the fundamental difference between our franchise and one like the Pats.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I was going to post but I'm cracking under the preasure to post something of substance.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Oh, I did post about not posting so can you remove my none post, post.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;256641]I don't really buy the pressure excuse either.

The NFL is under such a microscope these days that I think everyone feels some type of pressure (players, coaches, etc.). Besides, AA, Carter, etc. already received their big checks. We could cut AA tomorrow and he'd still walk away with over $10M. So where exactly is the pressure?

If anyone should feel pressure it's the Ryan Clarks of the world. These are the fringe players that live paycheck to paycheck while trying to establish NFL careers. For these guys it may be the difference between a long NFL career and hundreds of thousands of dollars, or returning to a blue-collar job in the real world. In that respect I can understand why they'd feel pressure.[/quote]


What's the NFL minimum again?

I wish I was living paycheck to paycheck on that. It might be tough but I'm sure I could get by.

Believe it or not, no matter how much these guys are paid they still put pressure on themselves to play well and feel it from internal and external sources.

Not everyone is in it just for the big paycheck.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I feel like all NFL players are confronted with enormous pressures, it's a very competitive league, it's on the national stage, and there's only 16 games in the regular season. Every NFL team has enormous pressure, I think the big factor is drive........once a player get his money, the drive to become the best diminishes unless the player has great character and loves the game. Maybe the skins should be looking to bring in Character guys, instead of high priced rejects from other teams. Other teams are not gonna just give away their locker room leaders, they give away the high priced guys that did not bring as much to the organizatoin as they could have AKA Randle El, Archuleta (was once good), and Lloyd

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=paulskinsfan;256635]I think its an excuse. Professional athletes are paid to produce, and many do. Santana Moss got a fat contract and delivered the goods. Being a pro means getting paid large sums of money to deliver on the field. It also means taking personal responsibility when you fail to deliver and correcting the situation.[/quote]
this post is dead on. the problem might not be pressure, but the athletes trying to do more, since signing the big money contract. you are being paid to do what you do, if you are a 10 sack a year guy, then get 10 sacks. dont go out and try and be something you are not. pressure, to me, is an excuse

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;256700]this post is dead on. the problem might not be pressure, but the athletes trying to do more, since signing the big money contract. you are being paid to do what you do, if you are a 10 sack a year guy, then get 10 sacks. dont go out and try and be something you are not. pressure, to me, is an excuse[/QUOTE]

But if they are trying to do more...trying to work hard to reach those goals, then wouldn't you see an improvement in overall game play? Each player is trying to prove themselves worth the contract. I just think that would equal good things?

I think it's just that players have the "me" attitude. As soon as they get paid, they feel they have nothing left to prove. Even if they are a bust, they're still getting their millions. That is one problem I have with the this free agency thing.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

At the simple core of the issue, pressure brings out the worst or sometimes the best in people. That's all I'm saying.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=Mattyk72;256756]At the simple core of the issue, pressure brings out the worst or sometimes the best in people. That's all I'm saying.[/quote]

A wise man once told me pressure either makes diamonds or bursts pipes.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I don't think its the pressure.
I think they took the huge payday and slacked off. They lost their edge/hunger.
As soon as AA signed that contract, he started partying in at the playboy mansion and even started dating one of the playmates(Jennifer Walcot).
If I was in bed with a playmate,Do you think I'm going to get out of bed to lift weights or study a playbook?

The money got to him.
I also think it got to Rogers too. He play was aweful at the start of the year and now he's improving. Too much partying in the offseason hurt him.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=Mattyk72;256569]I was just reading today's WP article about Andre Carter and he mentioned the pressure that comes along with the big contact he signed. Archuleta has also said that he had trouble this year dealing with the pressure that comes with the big contract.

It's an interesting theory to consider that perhaps one of the factors that played into our downfall his year may have been very simple... pressure.

Not only with the contracts, but the pressure of the high expectations. Bringing in an offensive guru in Saunders, the all-star collection of coaches here, and right from day one in camp Mark Brunell stated that anything less than a Super Bowl was going to be a disappointment this season. I understand that all teams to a degree have this mentality in August, but I think for the Skins they definitely felt under the gun to produce a Super Bowl season this year. It was Gibbs' 3rd year, time to turn the corner, etc.

In summary, I think one of the main reasons for our downfall this year was the pressure, the pressure of winning, the pressure of living up to the big contracts, and the pressure of having an all-star cast of coaches.

Thoughts?[/quote]I think pressure was a factor in keeping some of the early season games close against teams we should have been blowing out. You get down when you don't expect to be, and you get off your game and all of a sudden, it's the 4th quarter and you are trailing. At that point, if things break right, you win, if they don't like they didn't vs Tennessee and Minnesota for us, you end up losing.

Ultimately, pressure was not responsible for missed tackles, blown coverages and our D falling from top 10 to bottom 4. That was a seperate problem.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Agreed...And since Snyder has been here the team seems to do it's best when spending is curtailed and expectations are lower.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=jamf;256773]I don't think its the pressure.
I think they took the huge payday and slacked off. They lost their edge/hunger.
As soon as AA signed that contract, he started partying in at the playboy mansion and even started dating one of the playmates(Jennifer Walcot).
If I was in bed with a playmate,Do you think I'm going to get out of bed to lift weights or study a playbook?

The money got to him.
I also think it got to Rogers too. He play was aweful at the start of the year and now he's improving. Too much partying in the offseason hurt him.[/quote]

Maybe with some, but I don't think we can say AC has slacked off. The guy has muscles on top of muscles. He's working hard at something.

[IMG]http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/12/06/PH2006120601176.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=Mattyk72;256808]Maybe with some, but I don't think we can say AC has slacked off. The guy has muscles on top of muscles. He's working hard at something.

[IMG]http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/12/06/PH2006120601176.jpg[/IMG][/quote]


Yes he looks like Tarzan but most of the year he has played like Jane. I don't think the problem is pressure. These guys for the most part want to win. AC is not an everydown 4-3 end. He's not big enough. AA is not a cover safety. He needs to be playing in the box and blitzing. ARE and LLoyd? I think they will play better next season if we don't blow up the offense. On another note I just think Gibbs needs to have a really tough training camp next year. Go back to old school. Get back to basics. Go back to PA. or Frostburg. Get these guys away from Ashburn.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

I don't see it as pressure at all. If anything, it's the exact opposite. Players look forward to spending their golden years in Washington. It's as if they work real hard, prove themselves for another team, then they look forward to the day that Danny Snyder comes calling.

It's like a dead beat who wins the lottery -- he's got nothing left to prove. He gets his fat paycheck, and he can cruise.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Different people react to pressure in different ways. And individuals react to different types of pressure in different ways.

I could easily see if someone got a contract that was more than they felt they deserved (but that their agent had managed to negotiate) that they would feel that they had to perform better than before. (Of course they could not state publicly that they felt they were overpaid.) So part of their mind (even when playing) would always be worried. As I have found that worry is my biggest obstacle to superior performance, I could imagine it would be for them as well. Once they accept that their prior level of play is good enough, the pressure reduces to just the normal game-day pressure that they're used to. Apparently Carter has accomplished this with dramatic results on the field of play.

In summary, a smaller contract keeps the pressure to what happens on the field. In this case the player has direct control of his destiny and only one thing to think about. A larger contract puts on the additional pressure of how the player's performance is perceived.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=mike340;256852]Different people react to pressure in different ways. And individuals react to different types of pressure in different ways.

I could easily see if someone got a contract that was more than they felt they deserved (but that their agent had managed to negotiate) that they would feel that they had to perform better than before. (Of course they could not state publicly that they felt they were overpaid.) So part of their mind (even when playing) would always be worried. As I have found that worry is my biggest obstacle to superior performance, I could imagine it would be for them as well. Once they accept that their prior level of play is good enough, the pressure reduces to just the normal game-day pressure that they're used to. Apparently Carter has accomplished this with dramatic results on the field of play.

In summary, a smaller contract keeps the pressure to what happens on the field. In this case the player has direct control of his destiny and only one thing to think about. A larger contract puts on the additional pressure of how the player's performance is perceived.[/quote]

I agree.

I think for guys like AA and AC, they signed the big deals and came here with high expectations. When the team started struggling and they weren't playing well either as individuals, things probably started snowballing for them. AA cracked, AC seems to have broken through.

These guys read the papers, the internet, hear the radio shows, etc. It's pretty easy to see how the pressure could quickly mount.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Sounds like a load of crap, sorry not buying. I file this one under Excuse

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

Absolutely the pressure played a role. Especially in a town like Washington, where there really is only one sports team. There's a certain type of player who can handle that pressure, or at least remain oblivious to it. I think ARE is a good example of this. However, for people like Carter and Arch I think the external weight of the city's expectations was too much to bear.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

The pressure = expectations, which = lack of privacy.
For people that would rather do their job under the radar, it's a bit hard when you sign a big deal & people are expecting the team to win in part due to those contracts.
Nobody in the media was saying Romo should play until Bledsoe started looking bad, even though he's in his 4th year w/dallas. On the other hand, because JC was a 1st rnd. pick the experts all asked, why is this guy sitting? not just because brunell's time was done.
Romo was allowed to develop privately w/the team w/out media scrutiny. These big fa signings & high draft picks are under the microscope & sometimes its just unfair, though it may also be unfair that they get paid big $
these are just a couple more reasons to develop talent in the draft; 1) its cheaper, 2) players can be brought along slowly w/out much scrutiny until they earn playing time.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;256758]A wise man once told me pressure either makes diamonds or bursts pipes.[/QUOTE]

Smartest comment on this thread. Rack'm!


(Note to self: Tell friends about the 700 page playbook: So simple a caveman can do it!) (12th Man = genius)

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=paulskinsfan;256635]I think its an excuse. Professional athletes are paid to produce, and many do. Santana Moss got a fat contract and delivered the goods. Being a pro means getting paid large sums of money to deliver on the field. It also means taking personal responsibility when you fail to deliver and correcting the situation.[/quote]

i agree, these guys are playing at the highest level of football..and they cant produce cuz theyre paying them too much? CMON if i was gettin paid as much as they were it would MOTIVATE me not PRESSURE me

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

If you don't want pressure. Don't sign a huge contract. If you are already rich why put the pressure of living up to a huge contract on yourself

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

You guys are missing the point. No one is saying we should feel sorry for these players, or that we should let them off the hook for underperforming. It's just crazy to pretend that the pressure of playing in DC hasn't impacted their performance. I mean, Carter basically says, yeah, the pressure got to me.

Again, that's not an excuse, but if we are to begin to map where this season went wrong, the unrealistic expectations, and the weight associated with that, has to be considered as a major factor.

Re: Big contracts = big pressure
 

[quote=djnemo65;257236]You guys are missing the point. No one is saying we should feel sorry for these players, or that we should let them off the hook for underperforming. It's just crazy to pretend that the pressure of playing in DC hasn't impacted their performance. I mean, Carter basically says, yeah, the pressure got to me.

Again, that's not an excuse, but if we are to begin to map where this season went wrong, the unrealistic expectations, and the weight associated with that, has to be considered as a major factor.[/quote]

Exactly.