Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

Like some of you, I use this Message Board as a personal release valve. I come here to bitch, piss, moan, vent, gripe, bicker, complain and generally dump all of my negative feelings about my beloved Skins. As they say, Misery loves company and there's a lot of misery here and fortunately, a lot of company.

And this year has been particularly miserable and could get much worse in a hurry. HOWEVA (as Stephen A. Smith would say), I was at the gym this afternoon and the NFL Network's Top 10 show was counting down the 10 most dramatic single season team turnarounds. The more I watched, the better my mood became (and the treadmill became more tolerable). It was encouraging on 3 levels:

1 - the teams they highlighted were VERY bad for a VERY long time, and in much worse condition than the Skins. Think of the 1-15 Dolphins and 1-15 Cowboys (man, dems were the days). Some of them had bad ownership and management as well, but found a way to overcome despite no changes to either.

2 - the turnarounds were swift, stunning and unexpected (Kurt Warner and Tom Brady coming off the bench) ... usually involving a QB and/or coaching change (Manning, Walsh, Brady, Vermeil/Warner, Johnson/Aikman, Brees... Parcells made the list a couple of times as a coach and GM).

3 - Most of the teams that became good stayed good for a while (some are still really good today, like the Colts, Saints and Pats).

So even if the Skins can't right the ship this year, there is always HOPE that they can turn it around in the not so distant future and remain a good team for years to come. The catalyst could be a 4-12 season that serves as a wake-up call to Dan Snyder. It could be a first round QB next year that turns out to be a future Hall of Famer and the face of the Redskins for the next 15 years. It could be a guy like Gruden taking the job if, and only if, they re-sign Campbell, because he believes and proves he can win with him. Maybe Vinny gets replaced by a bonafied football guy.

Who knows? It could be anything and it COULD happen, because it has happened before and will happen again. Why not for the Skins?

HTTR!!!!!!!!!

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

Things are not that bad, we draft and/or or FA sign a few OL, draft a RB and LB and this team is in the thick of things even with Campbell. We are not the Raiders, Rams or Lions.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

If anything serves as optimism for this team it should be the quick turnaround of teams like the Falcons and Dolphins. The Falcons had to change their whole team around from their scrambling centric franchise QB and are now competitive on a consistent basis with a whole new team. They were able to turn things around with a new coach and GM and see immediate results.

That's promising at least.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;609605]Things are not that bad, we draft and/or or FA sign a few OL, draft a RB and LB and this team is in the thick of things even with Campbell. We are not the Raiders, Rams or Lions.[/quote]

The problem is we could use about 4 starters across the O-line, use one or two LB's(depending on where we play Orakpo and if we can resign Rocky), draft a speed back, and we might be in need of a CB depending on resigning Rogers.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

44Deezel.....is that really you? You're right man. I know I"m a little too optimistic sometimes but that's because I believe hurdles can be jumped, lemons make lemonaide, and problems are meant to be solved, not just bitched about. [B]Find [/B]a way to win. I remember when Gibbs got here and went 0-5. I also remember thinking this guy is way in over his head and we're in some deep s**t. Things CAN turn around. Good thread man!

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

Here's the problem with the Redskins. We're always trying to toss a band-aid on our problems rather than really getting dirty and doing a few unpopular things. Every year we sign a new FA or two to bolster a weak area. What this does is keeps us a mediocre team. One thing almost all the above mentioned teams did, was go through a rebuilding process. Get young guys, let them build some chemistry together, and continue on -- the Redskins have yet to ever rebuild, at least in the classical sense of rebuilding.

In my opinion, this group has been given a very fair shot -- it's time to decide who the building blocks of this team are, and start putting young talent around them. The Redskins, up to this point, have had the easiest schedule in the NFL hands down, and we've barely managed two wins. That's pathetic and shows deep deep problems. What on earth makes you think we'll all of a sudden get it against better competition.

Blow it up, rebuild for a few years, and come back stronger than ever.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Daseal;609631]Here's the problem with the Redskins. We're always trying to toss a band-aid on our problems rather than really getting dirty and doing a few unpopular things. Every year we sign a new FA or two to bolster a weak area. What this does is keeps us a mediocre team. One thing almost all the above mentioned teams did, was go through a rebuilding process. Get young guys, let them build some chemistry together, and continue on -- the Redskins have yet to ever rebuild, at least in the classical sense of rebuilding.

In my opinion, this group has been given a very fair shot -- it's time to decide who the building blocks of this team are, and start putting young talent around them. [B]The Redskins, up to this point, have had the easiest schedule in the NFL hands down, and we've barely managed two wins. [/B]That's pathetic and shows deep deep problems. What on earth makes you think we'll all of a sudden get it against better competition.

Blow it up, rebuild for a few years, and come back stronger than ever.[/quote]True, but, if you figure the Redskins in as a truly bad team this year, then the Giants have played a softer schedule, because it includes us. If you're looking at the Redskins as a "typically mediocre, but currently underachieving" team, then we've probably had the softest schedule.

It's splitting hairs though. No one in the NFC East has done crap yet.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Daseal;609631]Here's the problem with the Redskins. We're always trying to toss a band-aid on our problems rather than really getting dirty and doing a few unpopular things. Every year we sign a new FA or two to bolster a weak area. What this does is keeps us a mediocre team. One thing almost all the above mentioned teams did, was go through a rebuilding process. Get young guys, let them build some chemistry together, and continue on -- the Redskins have yet to ever rebuild, at least in the classical sense of rebuilding.

In my opinion, this group has been given a very fair shot -- it's time to decide who the building blocks of this team are, and start putting young talent around them. The Redskins, up to this point, have had the easiest schedule in the NFL hands down, and we've barely managed two wins. That's pathetic and shows deep deep problems. What on earth makes you think we'll all of a sudden get it against better competition.

Blow it up, rebuild for a few years, and come back stronger than ever.[/quote]


I agree!
We have to get young across the board. We need more team speed and quality athletes.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=jamf;609634]I agree!
We have to get young across the board. We need more team speed and quality athletes.[/quote]

I haven't checked it out but I heard someone on WPL say that our 53 man roster at the beginning of the year was the oldest in the league.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=53Fan;609617]44Deezel.....is that really you? You're right man. I know I"m a little too optimistic sometimes but that's because I believe hurdles can be jumped, lemons make lemonaide, and problems are meant to be solved, not just bitched about. [B]Find [/B]a way to win. I remember when Gibbs got here and went 0-5. I also remember thinking this guy is way in over his head and we're in some deep s**t. Things CAN turn around. Good thread man![/quote]

Damnit, my wife hijacked my laptop again. Someone close this thread. The Skins will always suck;)

Being reminded that teams were able to go from 1-15 to 11-5 or even onto win the Super Bowl (the Cowturds) gave me hope. The Saints were terrible FOREVER, and now they're a perennial contender. Maybe we turn things around this year, or maybe we hit rock bottom and only get better next year and beyond. Either way, things will turnaround. They have to!

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=53Fan;609635]I haven't checked it out but I heard someone on WPL say that our 53 man roster at the beginning of the year was the oldest in the league.[/quote]

I have heard that a number of times as well, but then Theisman goes on the air each week talking about how the Skins are a young team that needs patience. I think they are an old team. Maybe time for a youth movement.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;609605]Things are not that bad, we draft and/or or FA sign a few OL, draft a RB and LB and this team is in the thick of things even with Campbell. We are not the Raiders, Rams or Lions.[/quote]

Exactly my point. Some of the shittiest teams of all time were able to turn things around in a hurry and go onto to do great things. The Rams were one of the teams that made the list. They were eternally crappy until the stars aligned under Vermeil and a grocery clerk named Kurt Warner. They were good for years, but obviously couldn't sustain it, because they're awful again;)

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609657]Damnit, my wife hijacked my laptop again. Someone close this thread. The Skins will always suck;)

Being reminded that teams were able to go from 1-15 to 11-5 or even onto win the Super Bowl (the Cowturds) gave me hope. The Saints were terrible FOREVER, and now they're a perennial contender. Maybe we turn things around this year, or maybe we hit rock bottom and only get better next year and beyond. [B]Either way, things will turnaround. They have to[/B]![/quote]

Not really...if we keep building teams that are so fragile that they can't even get out of Week 5 without having their competition level shattered by one or two injuries then things don't necessarily have to change.

All of the turnaround teams have had good football people in place. I can say that because we wouldn't have heard of them if they didn't have those football people there. This team has no solution to their loss of Randy Thomas and Chris Samuels...


As long as the football people here are building teams with that much fragility then there is no reasonable possibility for things to turn around ever.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Skinny Tee;609663]Not really...if we keep building teams that are so fragile that they can't even get out of Week 5 without having their competition level shattered by one or two injuries then things don't necessarily have to change.

All of the turnaround teams have had good football people in place. I can say that because we wouldn't have heard of them if they didn't have those football people there. This team has no solution to their loss of Randy Thomas and Chris Samuels...


As long as the football people here are building teams with that much fragility then there is no reasonable possibility for things to turn around ever.[/quote]

You're probably right, but the teams that made the list didn't make any drastic changes to management and/or ownership (with the exception of the Dolphins with Parcells). They just started doing things differently or, in some cases, just struck lightning. We either have to hope Snyderato has learned from this season OR that Snyder sees the light and fires Cerrato.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Daseal;609631]Here's the problem with the Redskins. We're always trying to toss a band-aid on our problems rather than really getting dirty and doing a few unpopular things. [B]Every year we sign a new FA or two to bolster a weak area. What this does is keeps us a mediocre team.[/B] One thing almost all the above mentioned teams did, was go through a rebuilding process. Get young guys, let them build some chemistry together, and continue on -- the Redskins have yet to ever rebuild, at least in the classical sense of rebuilding.

In my opinion, this group has been given a very fair shot -- it's time to decide who the building blocks of this team are, and start putting young talent around them. The Redskins, up to this point, have had the easiest schedule in the NFL hands down, and we've barely managed two wins. That's pathetic and shows deep deep problems. What on earth makes you think we'll all of a sudden get it against better competition.

Blow it up, rebuild for a few years, and come back stronger than ever.[/quote]

Exactly. Each year we add a new piece to the puzzle hoping that this is the final combination that will take us to the next level. Instead of building a foundation, we just put on new additions. If it doesn't work, we'll try a new addition. If that doesn't work, just add another. Then another. Then another. On and on it goes.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609667]You're probably right, but the teams that made the list didn't make any drastic changes to management and/or ownership (with the exception of the Dolphins with Parcells). They just started doing things differently or, in some cases, just struck lightning. We either have to hope Snyderato has learned from this season OR that Snyder sees the light and fires Cerrato.[/quote]

I keep saying this, but our "core Redskins" have given us all they're capable of giving. Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Clinton Portis have peaked. From this point on, they will do nothing but go downhill. This is especially true of the O-line. The door has already been slammed shut on Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas. Those were veteran fixtures that had been on the decline for awhile.

These turnaround teams you speak of had promising players that had not yet reached their potential. The pieces were already in place. Our pieces have been in place since 2005, 2006. In some cases further back than that. Now we're seeing them begin to crumble.

If there's a turnaround in store, it won't be with the players we have right now on this roster.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Beemnseven;609671]I keep saying this, but our "core Redskins" have given us all they're capable of giving. Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Clinton Portis have peaked. From this point on, they will do nothing but go downhill. This is especially true of the O-line. The door has already been slammed shut on Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas. Those were veteran fixtures that had been on the decline for awhile.

These turnaround teams you speak of had promising players that had not yet reached their potential. The pieces were already in place. Our pieces have been in place since 2005, 2006. In some cases further back than that. Now we're seeing them begin to crumble.

[B][U]If there's a turnaround in store, it won't be with the players we have right now on this roster.[/U][/B][/quote]

i agree with your final sentence more than any other i've read. the skins are in desperate need of some new people,in management,yes but just as much in players. the roster needs to be drastically different next season.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=wolfeskins;609679]i agree with your final sentence more than any other i've read. the skins are in desperate need of some new people,in management,yes but just as much in players. the roster needs to be drastically different next season.[/quote]

It would also be a crime if we have all new players next year and the same front office or coach in place.

The overall idea for this rebuild effort should be fresh change from top to bottom.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

The thing is, sometimes rebuilding happens whether management wants it to or not. Problem is -- and this has been said before -- if it's Snyderatto doing the rebuilding, this team is going nowhere.

You just [I]know[/I] our first pick next year will be a quarterback...

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

i think a return to greatness is possible in a short amount of time(2 years?) and just maybe dan can get a new coach and gm and finally sit back and just be a fan and watch football and write checks?

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

Isn't the definition of insanity - doing the same thing multiple times and expecting a different outcome each time?

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

All players are regressing. Got to b the coach, our run o was the best foundation to build from for long term success. We sold out to get a passing game we had santana. We no longer can run still don't have a passing game still got santana.

Ultimately my conclusion is to fix the redskins fix the run game. Zorn's route combinations make alot more sense when our run game is dictating the defenses formations.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=53Fan;609635]I haven't checked it out but I heard someone on WPL say that our 53 man roster at the beginning of the year was the oldest in the league.[/quote]

Having these guys doesn't help team age and all can be purged next year (except Fletcher and Smith):

Wynn
Daniels
Griffin
Fletcher (love him, but he's getting up there)
Collins
Rabach
Samuels (might be done for good)
Thomas
Albright
Yoder
Hunter Smith

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[B]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/B]
[url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8136f660&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/url]


When general managers are quizzed about rebuilding a franchise most respond in terms that refer to the construction of a house. They frequently cite the need to "build a strong foundation" to steady the project and that adage often follows them into the war room when it is time to select the players to orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.

Whereas most observers would point to the quarterback as the key to a franchise's revival, recent history is showing that the offensive tackle position is playing a prominent role in the restoration process.

While many credited the sudden turnarounds of Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta to their installation of new quarterbacks, it is not a coincidence that the trio also featured three young offensive tackles (Jared Gaither, Ravens; Sam Baker, Falcons and Jake Long, Dolphins) excelling as first-time starters. In addition, the Carolina Panthers' 12-4 season was keyed by the stellar play of Jeff Otah on the edges.

Given the instant success of those players, and the fact that 12 offensive tackles have been taken in the first round of the past two drafts, scouts are beating the bushes to find another dominant edge blocker on the horizon. Fortunately, this year's draft class features a host of talented offensive tackles that scouts project to make immediate impacts as pros.

Oklahoma State's Russell Okung and Oklahoma's Trent Williams are currently viewed as the gems of the class, but they are joined by Southern California's Charles Brown, Notre Dame's Sam Young and LSU's Ciron Black as potential first-round picks in a draft that could produce as many as six first-round offensive tackles when all is said and done.

With several franchises on the verge of being blown up in the offseason, general managers may opt to grab a hard hat and an offensive tackle to start the rebuilding.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Skinny Tee;609613]If anything serves as optimism for this team it should be the quick turnaround of teams like the Falcons and Dolphins. The Falcons had to change their whole team around from their scrambling centric franchise QB and are now competitive on a consistent basis with a whole new team. They were able to turn things around with a new coach and GM and see immediate results.

That's promising at least.[/quote]

They did it with young players and fresh new ideas. Both teams have something we do not have, respectable and knowledgeable personnel heading up their programs. The Redskins need to get younger as well among other things.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609732][B]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/B]
[url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8136f660&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/url]


When general managers are quizzed about rebuilding a franchise most respond in terms that refer to the construction of a house. They frequently cite the need to "build a strong foundation" to steady the project and that adage often follows them into the war room when it is time to select the players to orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.

Whereas most observers would point to the quarterback as the key to a franchise's revival, recent history is showing that the offensive tackle position is playing a prominent role in the restoration process.

While many credited the sudden turnarounds of Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta to their installation of new quarterbacks, it is not a coincidence that the trio also featured three young offensive tackles (Jared Gaither, Ravens; Sam Baker, Falcons and Jake Long, Dolphins) excelling as first-time starters. In addition, the Carolina Panthers' 12-4 season was keyed by the stellar play of Jeff Otah on the edges.

Given the instant success of those players, and the fact that 12 offensive tackles have been taken in the first round of the past two drafts, scouts are beating the bushes to find another dominant edge blocker on the horizon. Fortunately, this year's draft class features a host of talented offensive tackles that scouts project to make immediate impacts as pros.

Oklahoma State's Russell Okung and Oklahoma's Trent Williams are currently viewed as the gems of the class, but they are joined by Southern California's Charles Brown, Notre Dame's Sam Young and LSU's Ciron Black as potential first-round picks in a draft that could produce as many as six first-round offensive tackles when all is said and done.

With several franchises on the verge of being blown up in the offseason, general managers may opt to grab a hard hat and an offensive tackle to start the rebuilding.[/quote]

Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609735]Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.[/quote]

I would trade down and go for 2 OL in the 1st and 2nd (if able to trade down) just like Jacksonville did this year.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Beemnseven;609684]The thing is, sometimes rebuilding happens whether management wants it to or not. Problem is -- and this has been said before -- if it's Snyderatto doing the rebuilding, this team is going nowhere.

You just [I]know[/I] our first pick next year will be a quarterback...[/quote]


"The creator has a master plan", and if includes one/or both of them let the laughter begin.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609735]Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.[/quote]

I've thought about this too -- the only player I can think of who might be worth a 1st rounder is Chris Cooley. Could we live w/o Cooley if it meant getting two first round picks to go after a tackle and QB or two good O-linemen?

That might be a good poll question...

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Beemnseven;609744]I've thought about this too -- the only player I can think of who might be worth a 1st rounder is Chris Cooley. Could we live w/o Cooley if it meant getting two first round picks to go after a tackle and QB or two good O-linemen?

That might be a good poll question...[/quote]

If Fred Davis did a complete 180, maybe. I'd hate to see Cooley go, but business is business. Can't fall in love with anyone.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=wolfeskins;609679]i agree with your final sentence more than any other i've read. the skins are in desperate need of some new people,in management,yes but just as much in players. the roster needs to be drastically different next season.[/quote]

I hear ya, but man, a couple of those teams were 1-15. Their talent couldn't have been that much better. But maybe it was... The Cowboys benefited from the Hershel Walker trade. The Dolphins benefited from Parcels, Pennington, a 1-15 team's schedule and some smart moves... like trading Jason Taylor to some chump team for 2 draft picks;) Aye Carumba:doh:

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

I believe we can have a turnaround...but not as easily as some other teams. In my mind the teams who have had the biggest turnarounds from season to season are the falcons, dolphins, ravens, jets (maybe), saints, and broncos. All these teams had one big thing in common, they all had coaching changes (and qb changes, but I think the coaching change is more important...I do not believe orton to be better than cutler). They all had a change in scheme. The dolphins followed parcells's scheme in his version of the 3-4 and the wildcat. The broncos are thriving off Nolan's defense (and mcdaniels's offense is good considering they have orton). The jets are thriving off Rex Ryan's defense. And I think that the Ravens and Falcons just started to do good because of good drafting finally paying off combined with a competent coach.
The Redskins can do it, but our biggest obstacle is that we do not have young draft picks to build off of. Our cornerstones are old and on the decline while we do not have rising youth to take over one day. Coaching will help significantly, but it will only do so good as long as we have players to back us up, which I am not confident we can get in one year. I think in like 3 years or so we might have a good shot at contending assuming we draft well

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

Heck ya we can turn this around. Starting tomorrow, LETS ROLL. Just ask REDSKIN ANONYMOUS (Danny Rouhier) Week 5, or Lionel Richie....He's easy like Sunday morning.

Provided by Redskin Insider:

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/marko-mitchell-and-the-numbers.html#more]Redskins Insider - Marko Mitchell and the Numbers Game[/url]

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyhU6kmoD8E]YouTube - Redskins Anonymous[/url]

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=44Deezel;609732][B]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/B]
[URL="http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8136f660&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true"]Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles[/URL]
[/quote]
Let's all print this out and mail it to the Park.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Longtimefan;609734]They did it with young players and fresh new ideas. Both teams have something we do not have, respectable and knowledgeable personnel heading up their programs. The Redskins need to get younger as well among other things.[/quote]
That's the issue, Vinny thinks that he's a real GM or whatever, he's quick to remind people of his SB ring as director of college scouting 15 years ago.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=tryfuhl;609834]Let's all print this out and mail it to the Park.[/quote]

They do seem to be the Bizarro Front Office of the NFL. If only we could find an article that says the key to building a Super Bowl team is to sign the most expensive free agents on the market and trade away all your draft picks in the process. They seem Hell-bent on re-inventing the wheel over there.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

I can't believe we a talking about the next few years already.....AHHHHH!!:cussing:

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=Skinny Tee;609613][B]If anything serves as optimism for this team it should be the quick turnaround of teams like the Falcons and Dolphins[/B]. The Falcons had to change their whole team around from their scrambling centric franchise QB and are now competitive on a consistent basis with a whole new team. They were able to turn things around with a new coach and GM and see immediate results.

That's promising at least.[/quote]Note that both invested in their O-lines right before their turnaround. I'd hate to see this team completely blown up. I agree that we are getting closer, but does anyone really think that Zorn and Campbell will be back? If they aren't, then once again, you're starting over. If the offense shows anything this year despite our deficient O-line, I would want to see Zorn and Campbell retained for one more chance to see what they can accomplish with a rebuilt line.

Re: Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;609728]Having these guys doesn't help team age and all can be purged next year (except Fletcher and Smith):

Wynn
Daniels
Griffin
Fletcher (love him, but he's getting up there)
Collins
Rabach
Samuels (might be done for good)
Thomas
Albright
Yoder
Hunter Smith[/quote]

Agree with all but Fletcher (he can STILL do it) and Hunter Smith even being on the list. How can you put Hunter Smith on the list? He's the best punter we've had since Turk and Roby. Yes, he's hurt right now but he will be back and solid again. Look how bad our punting game is without him. He's not THAT old...punters can go into their late 40s. :D