Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Amidst all the excitement, the Redskins buzz on the airways, the cheers by the fans, the positive press from national media, amidst high hopes and the praise for new coach Jim Zorn; amidst all of that I just wanted to stop and smell the roses while we sit here at 4-1, and say thank you to the man most responsible for the Redskins' success this season...

Joe Gibbs.

This is in no way to take away from the job Jim Zorn has done/is doing, and in no way to take away from the sound decisions Vinny Cerrato has made since taking the reins as the football boss. It is because of Jim Zorn that our offensive schemes are creative, balanced and unpredictable. It is largely because of Jim Zorn's tutelage that Jason Campbell has taken his game to the next level, winning four out of five tough games without committing a single turnover. It is because of Vinny Cerrato that rookie Chris Horton now mans the safety spot, generating four takeaways for the Redskins through five games. Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato have been a success thus far, and we're all excited for what's to come with them at the helm.

But as I watch Clinton Portis put up nearly 150 yards on the Eagles in Philly, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs traded for him. As I watch Shawn Springs shut down Terrell Owens in Dallas, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs flew on Redskins One to sign him as a free agent. As I watch Chris Cooley (who Gibbs traded up to acquire in the 2004 draft) catch a TD pass against the Eagles from Antwaan Randle-El (who Gibbs acquired as a free agent in 2006) I can't help but think of Joe. And especially as I watch Jason Campbell develop into a star QB, making key plays on third down to move the chains and ice games, I think back to the day Gibbs traded three picks to jump up and take him 25th overall.

Marcus Washington. Cornelius Griffin. Rocky McIntosh. LaRon Landry. London Fletcher. Carlos Rogers. Fred Smoot. Casey Rabach. Santana Moss. In addition to the players mentioned above, these guys all have three things in common:

- They're 4-1.
- We love them.
- Joe Gibbs acquired them.

Joe Gibbs built the foundation of this team, but more than that, he restored the pride and character in this team.

How can this team still keep fighting hard every week despite the constant turnover amongst the coaching staff over the years? The change in offensive systems? The departure of star defensive coordinators? How can this team keep fighting hard when they're down 14 on the road to the Eagles? Lesser men would have quit when down 14 on the road against the Eagles. But these are not lesser men, they are Joe Gibbs' men. They were guided first hand by the steadiness of their great coach who picked them up after tragically losing a star teammate and guided them to a December push for a playoff berth. They saw what it meant to come together, to appreciate one another, to demand hard work and commitment from one another.

Far be it for a Redskin fan to draw comparisons to the hated Cowboys, but when Bill Parcells left the Cowboys he left them with a foundation that allowed Wade Phillips to guide them to a 13-3 record. Likewise, Joe Gibbs has left Jim Zorn with a young franchise QB in the making, an experienced and cohesive offensive line, a star running back, a star tight end, and a playmaking wide receiver. He left a defense in capable hands by building a deep coaching staff and who retained players and schemes that have been successful in the past. The only difference between these Redskins and those Cowboys? A better man built these Redskins, and a better coach is taking the reins of these Redskins. And hopefully, results will be better than a divisional round loss at home.

Whatever is in store for the Redskins this season, whether a playoff berth, a division championship, a conference championship, or a Super Bowl victory, Joe Gibbs deserves much praise. Without his work we wouldn't be 4-1 today. He's left his fingerprints all over Zorn's team. Make no mistake, this is Zorn's team now, and the excitement surrounding him is justified. But without you, Joe, we are nothing.

Thank you for all you've done. Your tenure was a resounding success - you've given this team the chance to do something special. Even if you're no longer part of the Redskins, you've left your mark. So enjoy your retirement, and root alongside us for [U]your[/U] Redskins to do something special this year.

Hail.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

I agree 100%.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

I can get behind this letter...Gibbs is one of the bricks being layed here that will soon be a great foundation that will serve us for the future.

I also think Gibbs got the players here but Zorn is providing the killer instict that great players need to have to succeed. When I watch these skins this year I think of images of a bull fighter finishing off the bull to the applause of the masses...before we did not have that killer instinct. Now together with the players and drive we will go farther than previous seasons.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Amen brother!! A man who gets it!!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Well put Schneed

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Nice post.. my sig sums it up!! :)

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Also, please dont forget that he taught the redskins how to beat dallas again. He left with a 4-2 record over previous 6 games and arrived with a 1-15 record over the previous 16 games.

Thank you Joe Gibbs.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Not to hot, not to cold............just right!
HTTR

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

On the day they announced that Joe Gibbs was coming back to coach the skins, I just about wrecked my car with excitement. That afternoon, I downloaded a classic Redskins arrow logo from the 1960s and that night had it tattooed on my shoulder. There has not been one day that I have regretted doing it. You just KNEW Joe would lead us back to respectability...on the field and in the front office. This is all because of him. Snyder would have NEVER hired Zorn if he had not learned what to look for from Gibbs.
I know Joe was worried that he might tarnish his legacy by coming back. But what he has done is solidify his place in NFL history, and save this franchise at the same time. I hope one day to have the honor of shaking his hand and telling him this.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Amen. Thank you Joe for making success possible again.


Hail To The Redskins!!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Gibbs definitely deserves some credit for building the foundation of this team. Recently I've wondered if we would be 4-1 right now if he stayed on. I honestly think we might be. When you look back at the end of last year and compare it to what the team is doing right now, 3 things stand out. Solid defense, a good running game, and good play at the QB position. When you have those 3 things working for you, chances are you're going to be a very good team.

Before this blows up into a Zorn vs. Gibbs debate which I'm really not trying to start, I just want to say I think Zorn was a breath of fresh air this team really needed. But, you can't deny that this was basically a turnkey type of take over for Zorn. All the pieces were in place, he just need to find [I]his[/I] way to make it work. And I definitely give Zorn a ton of credit for making it such a smooth transition, because as the first week showed the potential for a disaster was there.

Gibbs built this hotrod and handed over the keys. Zorn is the one putting the pedal to the metal.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Good post, Schneed.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=Mattyk72;487378] Solid defense, a good running game, and good play at the QB position. When you have those 3 things working for you, chances are you're going to be a very good team. [/quote]

The most important thing you forgot to mention that makes the offense function, is a healthy OL with all the original starters

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;487383]The most important thing you forgot to mention that makes the offense function, is a healthy OL with all the original starters[/quote]

Of course, but I was comparing things with last year. A healthy OL with all of our starters was something we didn't have last year.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=Mattyk72;487384]Of course, but I was comparing things with last year. A healthy OL with all of our starters was something we didn't have last year.[/quote]

Yes I know, but that was the factor for the teams shortcomings and the Gibbs criticism last year and the health of Santana Moss. What a difference a healthy team makes. This is what makes me appreciate more the coaching job that Gibbs performed last year.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Totally agree. I also agree we'd probably be 4-1 too if Gibbs were here. One thing I want to thank Zorn the most for is the way he's mentored Campbell.

Gibbs really built a solid TEAM, not a bunch of individual talent. When you look at the players Schneed mentioned above, you could easily say we're not the same team without certain key cogs playing in any game.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Zorn has definitely done a great job with Campbell. I think he's taking him to a level he might not have reached under Gibbs/Saunders.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Very well stated.

There is one Joe Gibbs good quality that you may have overlooked. When he 'retired' a few months ago, he did not interject himself into team politics. He had the good grace and understanding to let the organization grow. He planted the seeds of a qulaity organization and now he has stepped back and watched it grow and mature. As any parent can tell you when their children leave home, this is not an easy thing to do. However, it speaks volumes towards his good character and respect for the organization.

Thanks Joe.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

I agree shneed.

I was also thinking about writing a letter to danny boy (ill hold off till we actually advance to a championship game)... sort of a thanks/apology letter for all the crap ive talked about him from the deion sanders bs, to the spurrier splash...

hes a young owner who didn't always have the right results, but always the best intentions, and he's learning...

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

very nicely put great post

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Schneed hits a BULLEYE!

Imagine a west coast offense in the last 2 weeks without the Gibbs Power Rushing game to run out the clock...thats right....its called the Eagles.
What a wicked combo.

Gibbs' players, Running Game Defense and Character, plus the passing attack that Campbell excelled in when he was in college.

I really believe that was the missing link Gibbs was looking for when he hired Saunders.
Imagine if he hired Zorn instead.

This team never quits, and never takes anything for granted and yes...they still "fight their guts out" even when they are "staying medium"

Thank you Joe Gibbs....outside of the last 4 games, you have been the only real anchor to the team since the early 70s....thanks for bringing respect back to DC!!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

good post schneed. as much as i love coach Gibbs, i think the main thing coach Zorn has injected is the play to win mentality. and it shows in his play calling. i think we are all in agreement that coach Gibbs always was, and will be conservative by nature. i say there is no way coach Gibbs goes for it on 4th down in the eagles game

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

I'll step out on a limb and say that I'm not sure we'd be 4-1 w/ Gibbs as our coach. I'm as big of a JG's fan there is, and I give him ALOT of credit for the character and team he has built here. However, there is a different aggressiveness that Zorn has brought to our team. We could name 3-4 instances that Zorn has played to win the game when conversely JG's would have played not to lose the game. Could those instances led to a loss? Maybe. In addition, JC is a different guy this year. Would he have been the same guy w/ AS's? Not sure (i was an AS's backer too). So I'm not sure Coach JG2 would have this team at 4-1. Maybe, but I'm not convinced.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Nice post. Agree 100%.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Yes, good post though. During the last few years, we haven't had the most talent in the world, but I think you could really tell that these guys are high character guys who love to win. I think JG's got all he could get out of them. I don't see that on alot of other teams (just see the Cowboys book thread).

This season in preseason (the first couple of games) you could really see how much they enjoy playing for Zorn. That's what turned the tide for me as a Zorn fan.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Thank you for that Schneed. Everybody knows how I feel about Gibbs, so I'll spare everyone from another emotional outburst. (Your welcome)

The foundation has been laid. I think great things are in store for this franchise and I look forward to our future under Coach Zorn.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Excellent thread. Hess' sig reflects my sentiments. Zorn deserves credit for mentoring JC and bringing in a dynamic offense, but Gibbs left us with guys like JC, Portis, Sellers, Cooley, Moss, Carter, Griffin, Fletcher, Springs, Smoot, Rogers, Landry et al. Gibbs' decision to trade to get JC might have saved our franchise.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=Schneed10;487355]Amidst all the excitement, the Redskins buzz on the airways, the cheers by the fans, the positive press from national media, amidst high hopes and the praise for new coach Jim Zorn; amidst all of that I just wanted to stop and smell the roses while we sit here at 4-1, and say thank you to the man most responsible for the Redskins' success this season...

Joe Gibbs.

This is in no way to take away from the job Jim Zorn has done/is doing, and in no way to take away from the sound decisions Vinny Cerrato has made since taking the reins as the football boss. It is because of Jim Zorn that our offensive schemes are creative, balanced and unpredictable. It is largely because of Jim Zorn's tutelage that Jason Campbell has taken his game to the next level, winning four out of five tough games without committing a single turnover. It is because of Vinny Cerrato that rookie Chris Horton now mans the safety spot, generating four takeaways for the Redskins through five games. Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato have been a success thus far, and we're all excited for what's to come with them at the helm.

But as I watch Clinton Portis put up nearly 150 yards on the Eagles in Philly, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs traded for him. As I watch Shawn Springs shut down Terrell Owens in Dallas, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs flew on Redskins One to sign him as a free agent. As I watch Chris Cooley (who Gibbs traded up to acquire in the 2004 draft) catch a TD pass against the Eagles from Antwaan Randle-El (who Gibbs acquired as a free agent in 2006) I can't help but think of Joe. And especially as I watch Jason Campbell develop into a star QB, making key plays on third down to move the chains and ice games, I think back to the day Gibbs traded three picks to jump up and take him 25th overall.

Marcus Washington. Cornelius Griffin. Rocky McIntosh. LaRon Landry. London Fletcher. Carlos Rogers. Fred Smoot. Casey Rabach. Santana Moss. In addition to the players mentioned above, these guys all have three things in common:

- They're 4-1.
- We love them.
- Joe Gibbs acquired them.

Joe Gibbs built the foundation of this team, but more than that, he restored the pride and character in this team.

How can this team still keep fighting hard every week despite the constant turnover amongst the coaching staff over the years? The change in offensive systems? The departure of star defensive coordinators? How can this team keep fighting hard when they're down 14 on the road to the Eagles? Lesser men would have quit when down 14 on the road against the Eagles. But these are not lesser men, they are Joe Gibbs' men. They were guided first hand by the steadiness of their great coach who picked them up after tragically losing a star teammate and guided them to a December push for a playoff berth. They saw what it meant to come together, to appreciate one another, to demand hard work and commitment from one another.

Far be it for a Redskin fan to draw comparisons to the hated Cowboys, but when Bill Parcells left the Cowboys he left them with a foundation that allowed Wade Phillips to guide them to a 13-3 record. Likewise, Joe Gibbs has left Jim Zorn with a young franchise QB in the making, an experienced and cohesive offensive line, a star running back, a star tight end, and a playmaking wide receiver. He left a defense in capable hands by building a deep coaching staff and who retained players and schemes that have been successful in the past. The only difference between these Redskins and those Cowboys? A better man built these Redskins, and a better coach is taking the reins of these Redskins. And hopefully, results will be better than a divisional round loss at home.

Whatever is in store for the Redskins this season, whether a playoff berth, a division championship, a conference championship, or a Super Bowl victory, Joe Gibbs deserves much praise. Without his work we wouldn't be 4-1 today. He's left his fingerprints all over Zorn's team. Make no mistake, this is Zorn's team now, and the excitement surrounding him is justified. But without you, Joe, we are nothing.

Thank you for all you've done. Your tenure was a resounding success - you've given this team the chance to do something special. Even if you're no longer part of the Redskins, you've left your mark. So enjoy your retirement, and root alongside us for [U]your[/U] Redskins to do something special this year.

Hail.[/quote]

really all i can say is WOW spot on man. i have said this since this winning streak started and even before that ..jim zorn may be our coach now but it was joe gibbs who put this team back together with character and it showed in philly and dallas..jim zorn hasn,t been all that bad either..

keep it up..great post thanks..

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Very nice.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=skinsnut;487403]Schneed hits a BULLEYE!

Imagine a west coast offense in the last 2 weeks without the Gibbs Power Rushing game to run out the clock...thats right....its called the Eagles.
What a wicked combo.

Gibbs' players, Running Game Defense and Character, plus the passing attack that Campbell excelled in when he was in college.

I really believe that was the missing link Gibbs was looking for when he hired Saunders.
[B]Imagine if he hired Zorn instead.[/B]

This team never quits, and never takes anything for granted and yes...they still "fight their guts out" even when they are "staying medium"

Thank you Joe Gibbs....outside of the last 4 games, you have been the only real anchor to the team since the early 70s....thanks for bringing respect back to DC!![/quote]


What makes you think that Zorn would have got to call plays, because Al Saunders didnt get that luxury.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

[quote=Schneed10;487355]Amidst all the excitement, the Redskins buzz on the airways, the cheers by the fans, the positive press from national media, amidst high hopes and the praise for new coach Jim Zorn; amidst all of that I just wanted to stop and smell the roses while we sit here at 4-1, and say thank you to the man most responsible for the Redskins' success this season...

Joe Gibbs.

This is in no way to take away from the job Jim Zorn has done/is doing, and in no way to take away from the sound decisions Vinny Cerrato has made since taking the reins as the football boss. It is because of Jim Zorn that our offensive schemes are creative, balanced and unpredictable. It is largely because of Jim Zorn's tutelage that Jason Campbell has taken his game to the next level, winning four out of five tough games without committing a single turnover. It is because of Vinny Cerrato that rookie Chris Horton now mans the safety spot, generating four takeaways for the Redskins through five games. Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato have been a success thus far, and we're all excited for what's to come with them at the helm.

But as I watch Clinton Portis put up nearly 150 yards on the Eagles in Philly, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs traded for him. As I watch Shawn Springs shut down Terrell Owens in Dallas, I can't help but think of the day Joe Gibbs flew on Redskins One to sign him as a free agent. As I watch Chris Cooley (who Gibbs traded up to acquire in the 2004 draft) catch a TD pass against the Eagles from Antwaan Randle-El (who Gibbs acquired as a free agent in 2006) I can't help but think of Joe. And especially as I watch Jason Campbell develop into a star QB, making key plays on third down to move the chains and ice games, I think back to the day Gibbs traded three picks to jump up and take him 25th overall.

Marcus Washington. Cornelius Griffin. Rocky McIntosh. LaRon Landry. London Fletcher. Carlos Rogers. Fred Smoot. Casey Rabach. Santana Moss. In addition to the players mentioned above, these guys all have three things in common:

- They're 4-1.
- We love them.
- Joe Gibbs acquired them.

Joe Gibbs built the foundation of this team, but more than that, he restored the pride and character in this team.

How can this team still keep fighting hard every week despite the constant turnover amongst the coaching staff over the years? The change in offensive systems? The departure of star defensive coordinators? How can this team keep fighting hard when they're down 14 on the road to the Eagles? Lesser men would have quit when down 14 on the road against the Eagles. But these are not lesser men, they are Joe Gibbs' men. They were guided first hand by the steadiness of their great coach who picked them up after tragically losing a star teammate and guided them to a December push for a playoff berth. They saw what it meant to come together, to appreciate one another, to demand hard work and commitment from one another.

Far be it for a Redskin fan to draw comparisons to the hated Cowboys, but when Bill Parcells left the Cowboys he left them with a foundation that allowed Wade Phillips to guide them to a 13-3 record. Likewise, Joe Gibbs has left Jim Zorn with a young franchise QB in the making, an experienced and cohesive offensive line, a star running back, a star tight end, and a playmaking wide receiver. He left a defense in capable hands by building a deep coaching staff and who retained players and schemes that have been successful in the past. The only difference between these Redskins and those Cowboys? A better man built these Redskins, and a better coach is taking the reins of these Redskins. And hopefully, results will be better than a divisional round loss at home.

Whatever is in store for the Redskins this season, whether a playoff berth, a division championship, a conference championship, or a Super Bowl victory, Joe Gibbs deserves much praise. Without his work we wouldn't be 4-1 today. He's left his fingerprints all over Zorn's team. Make no mistake, this is Zorn's team now, and the excitement surrounding him is justified. But without you, Joe, we are nothing.

Thank you for all you've done. Your tenure was a resounding success - you've given this team the chance to do something special. Even if you're no longer part of the Redskins, you've left your mark. So enjoy your retirement, and root alongside us for [U]your[/U] Redskins to do something special this year.

Hail.[/quote]

This is the best post I have ever read on this website. Great job!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Great, great post Schneed. I agree with everything you said, but I believe there is one missing aspect that Joe should be loudly thanked for:

Backing Danny off. When Joe took the reigns, Snyder almost immediately went from front and center on football decisions to just the guy they showed in the owners box on Sundays. We went from a real life "fantasy football" team full of ridiculous blunders as far as player acquisition, to a sound, disciplined organization (I know, I know, Llyod and Arch as the exceptions).

Snyder grew up a huge Skins fan and idolized Coach Joe. Joe did a wonderful job of helping Danny grow into the proper role of a good owner, and Danny finally started allowing football people make the football decisions. I'll never forget the way Danny handled the Sean Taylor situation. I gained a TON of respect for him after that tough time. At that moment, it became crystal clear to me just how much positive influence four years of being around Gibbs has had on the man.

For that Joe, I say another resounding THANK YOU!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

A+ Schneed!!! Fantastic post. This should be published. It's that good!!!

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Wow, much love. Thanks.

It's an interesting debate, would we be 4-1 with Gibbs at the helm. So tough to say. Campbell clearly has taken a leap this year, seems like Gibbs could have come up with something to make good use of that. Then again, maybe Campbell has taken said leap because of Zorn's teaching.

It's an impossible thing to sort out, but all I know is Gibbs did a hell of a job building this franchise, and Zorn is doing a hell of a job guiding it.

In the end, it just feels great to be a Redskin fan these days. Even greater than normal.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

You better believe it buddy! :goodjob:

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Joe Gibbs evaluated and acquired players by these attributes (in order of importance.)
1. character
2. smarts
3. athletic ability

Jerry Jones acquires players in this order.
1. athletic ability
2. smarts
3. character

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

great post...i was just having this same discussion with someone the other day...I was making the point of how Joe Gibb's brought back respectability and Redskin pride. Hail Joe Gibbs for putting these players together and Hail to Jim Zorn for the way he has run with this thing. I know its early but who would have thought we would have been 4-1 after the first 5 games? Not me...I saw 3-2 or 2-3 at best....

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

I thought this went well this thread

[url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/09/zorn-builds-with-gibbs-tools/]Washington Times - Building with Gibbs' guys[/url]

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

Great post Schneedster. I'm a huge Gibbs fan and agree with everything you wrote.

That being said, I will go on record as saying that we would not be 4-1 if Gibbs were still here. Zorn is pretty much the anti-Gibbs with the way he calls plays, his go-for-the-throat mentality at the end of games, and his funny sideline antics. And I think this is just what the team needed.

The Gibbs II years had so many egos (Gibbs, GW, Saunders...) and there was always a level of stress and pressure on everyone to perform. Zorn and his "no-name" staff bring a fresh attitude and it seems like everyone is having more fun out there.

It's like Zorn doesn't know the "rules":

- No other Skins coach in the last 30 years (or ever) has won his first game in Dallas? Sorry wasn't aware...

- The Philly game was supposed to be a letdown after the big Dallas win, especially after trailing 14-0 and sitting on the brink of a blowout? Didn't know that...

- With 2:30 left in the game and 4th-and-1 from the opponents 40 we're supposed to punt and play D? Sorry not my style...

Gibbs put all the pieces in place and Zorn's style seems to be taking them to a new level (especially Campbell). So I think they both deserve a lot of credit.

Of course it's early and I'm really trying to contain my excitment, but right now me so Zorny.

Re: Thank You - An Open Letter
 

We should take with a grain of salt things about clock management, gameplanning, playcalling, aggressiveness and other strategic decisions only because a coach can be great at things one year and then awful the next for no good reason at all.

However, thus far (5 games) Zorn has made basically all the statistically "correct" decisions. And it's hard to argue that it hasn't helped the Redskins win a bunch of tough games. I'll just argue that his luck will likely even out over time.