Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote][url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/washington-redskins-2010-season-preview/]Washington Redskins 2010 Season Preview - The Fifth Down Blog - NYTimes.com[/url]

July 22, 2010, 6:00 AM
Washington Redskins 2010 Season Preview
By ANDY BENOIT

Contrary to popular belief, the Washington Redskins are not driving down a different road in 2010. They’re driving down the same Dan Snyder highway – they’re just in a faster, fancier car. At least this time Snyder minion Vinny Cerrato isn’t behind the wheel. But once again, the Skins enter a season with a new high-profile coach. Things didn’t work out with offensive maharishi Steve Spurrier, and results were lukewarm under multi-Super Bowl champion Joe Gibbs. (And the Jim Zorn era managed to live down to expectations.) So, this time, they’re trying a mix: offensive maharishi and multi-Super Bowl champion, Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan has final say on all football operations, but he works closely with new G.M. Bruce Allen. Upon being hired last December, Allen, in a nod to the past, said, “The future is now.” (Allen’s father, George, took over the Redskins as coach in 1971 and immediately began trading future draft picks for proven veterans, many of whom had played for him in Los Angeles. At one of his first press conferences, he said, “The future is now.”)

In recent years, the Redskins have been masters at seeking the quick fix. This means surrendering piles of draft picks and cash to acquire new veterans. It’s a formula ripe for failure; veteran players generally aren’t available unless they’re flawed. Most of the time, the flaw is old age. Some of the time, it’s character. By now, the Redskins should understand that better than anyone.

Allen and Shanahan actually began the off-season dumping some $13 million worth of declining veterans, like Randy Thomas, Chris Samuels (retired), Rock Cartwright, Ladell Betts, Todd Collins, Antwaan Randle-El, Fred Smoot and Cornelius Griffin. Put after the purge, Allen and Shanahan eagerly followed the franchise’s traditional quick-fix blueprint.

Their most notable move, obviously, was the trade for Donovan McNabb. The Skins gave up a 2010 second-round pick and a conditional third-or fourth-round pick next year to acquire the 33-year-old quarterback. There’s no question McNabb is an upgrade over Jason Campbell (Campbell was traded to Oakland for a fourth-round pick in 2012). But that doesn’t mean he instantly makes this team a contender. Ask yourself, is McNabb’s situation in Washington better than his situation was the past two years in Philly? McNabb doesn’t have a 10-year history with this coach and this playbook. He’s not throwing to nearly as much talent here. And he’s relying on a ground game that boasts perhaps the three most worn-out star running backs in football: Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker.

Still, Shanahan thinks the offense – including the run game – can click. His zone blocking system was able to make any Joe Schmoe a 1,000-yard rusher in Denver. (Remember Olandis Gary? Mike Anderson? Reuben Droughns? Tatum Bell?)

Almost as important as the McNabb acquisition were the changes made at offensive tackle. Washington used the fourth pick on Oklahoma’s Trent Williams, who immediately became the starter on the left side. Two months after the draft, the Skins acquired Saints two-time Pro Bowl tackle Jammal Brown in exchange for a 2011 mid-round pick. Factor in the addition of utility backup Artis Hicks and this feckless front five is suddenly adequate – if not formidable.

Still, at best, the Skins will have a proficient but non-explosive offense. What has made believers in Washington is the defense. New coordinator Jim Haslett inherits a unit that has ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed five of the past six seasons. Haslett is rolling the dice by installing the first 3-4 scheme in this franchise’s history. It’s the ultimate twist that the scheme hinges on defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.

For the first time in the Snyder era, the Redskins may have actually concocted a veteran-laden roster capable of instant success. Yet, they’re at the mercy of the one veteran who embodies every mistake this franchise has made. Haynesworth is talented beyond belief. But he’s a selfish reprobate who seemingly only competes when there’s money to be made. Despite already banking $32 million from this club, Haynesworth eschewed off-season team activities – including a mandatory minicamp – and publicly derided his two-gap role in Haslett’s scheme. (He also complained about his role last season in now-retired coordinator Greg Blache’s scheme.) The Redskins knew what they were getting when they made the ex-Titan the highest-paid defensive player in N.F.L. history. Now, they can’t get rid of him.

The only choice is to carry on. After all, the future is now. Unless, of course, the past is too much to overcome.

...
[url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/washington-redskins-2010-season-preview/]click here for rest of article[/url][/quote]

Not much new, but a good (and fair) summary..

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Why does no one talk about Torain when they talk about our running backs? Shanny was going to start him in Denver before he got hurt.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

haha...ouch, one of the more searing negative articles I've read about the Redskins' rebuilding process.

Oh well, nothing to say except that hopefully this guy will be added to the list of believers after this upcoming season.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Lotus;713589]Why does no one talk about Torain when they talk about our running backs? Shanny was going to start him in Denver before he got hurt.[/quote]

You know I talk about Torain

Bartel and Torain....we'll rule the world Lotus!

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=rbanerjee23;713591]haha...ouch, one of the more searing negative articles I've read about the Redskins' rebuilding process.

Oh well, nothing to say except that hopefully this guy will be added to the list of believers after this upcoming season.[/quote]Yeah, that was rough. The worst part is that it seemed to be well-researched and hard to argue with. Then teams have seemingly come out of nowhere to have great seasons before so maybe it will happen again.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

or at the mid point of this season Rbaner.

He does mention Torian in the longer version of the article. He believes that he will be the teams leading rusher.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Wow. Well what can you expect? No one is going to go out on a limb and say the Skins will finish second in the division.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Or first for that matter, especially writers in N.Y., Philly, and Dallas.........

I think we have earned the right to be overlooked. Hopefully we will buck that trend this year.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;713594]You know I talk about Torain

Bartel and Torain....we'll rule the world Lotus![/quote]

Muwhahahaha!

I've said it before and will again: I think I'm rooting for Torain more than any other player.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

It's kinda hard to argue against this article. While it is nice to know that the front office has improved and a moron like Vinny is not running the show, there are a lot of things that need to fall in place in order for our team to succeed.

I must say though, that I was surprised to not see any criticism on the change of defensive scheme to the 3-4 (or maybe I miss it). Once again though, I'm hoping for the best.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

I agree Ruh, it is difficult to argue against the article but it seems rather generic in following the Skins-bash formula of writers. Point out Snyder's shortcomings as an owner, talk about the age of the team (ignoring that the Saints were one of the NFL's oldest teams last year-age is overrated), talk about the middling WR group being less than what McNabb had in Philly, talk about the OL weaknesses from '09 and of course the obligatory Haynesworth commentary. Blah, blah, blah.

I'd love to see a national writer talk about the value of a winning pedigree with Shanahan and McNabb and the positives they bring. Talk about how even in the midst of the Zorn debacle the team was in all but about 4 games last year so there is talent here.

It also amazes me that Portis, Johnson and Parker are 'worn down' but no-one mentions Marion Barber & Brandon Jacobs fading badly the past 2 seasons. Felix Jones is fast but fragile and what has McCoy proven in Philly? Nobody will confuse our trio with young and spry but are they ready for the retirement home like most writers seem to think?

The article isn't wrong factually nor is it overly biased against us, just kinda lazy.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

It's wrong from the first line. Snyder is taking a new hands-off approach. Losing Vinny was also a huge change for the organization.

Shanahan and Allen are transforming this team, addressing needs that were long ignored (O-line, True Franchise QB) and making changes we've never seen before (3-4 defense).

This is a path we've never traveled down before. Sure, there is the alleged similarity to the "Over the Hill Gang", but not entirely, as we have a good young core of young players as well as experienced. Where we could not fill gaps with rookies and young talent with upside, we've plugged with proven vets.

Of course, it is the NY Times, tough to take their sports analysis seriously. It's also easy for any media source to just recycle the same annual arguments and insults against the Redskins and Dan Snyder. If they were REALLY paying attention like we do as fans, they'd see a completely new path and attitude at Redskins Park.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Season starts we look good all these reporters will change there story and say I told you they were going to be good nobody polices them. Lets see how we look in Pre-season then lets talk.

HTTR.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

It's a good read. Addresses concerns while also acknowledging positive changes. I mean they do say they expect us to be the most improved team in the division, but we have a long climb up.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Hey...at this point, I don't want people to prognosticate 10-11 wins and then have teams gearing up for us. I would rather we take this year as a learning opportunity and sneak up on some squads who aren't expecting it.

At this point (given all the changes), it's better to be a dark horse than the frontrunner

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

I don't think any teams sneak up on people anymore. Coaches put in so much work to construct game plans, and I am sure the Redskins won't really sneak up on anyone.

One thing that is going to work to our advantage though is teams won't have alot of game tape on us till week 6 or 7.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;713667]It's a good read. Addresses concerns while also acknowledging positive changes. I mean they do say they expect us to be the most improved team in the division, but we have a long climb up.[/quote]

Would have been cool if he at least picked us third. Me being the homer I am, I believe we will win the East. ;)

I agree with others comments though, it would be nice to not hear the same old beating drum about the Skins, things have changed but it will take us winning for a few seasons in a row before people will start to look at this franchise as relevenant again. I think MS and BA will return us to glory.

Anybody want some KOOLAID, I have plenty on tap. ( Mixed liquor and purple drank in so it is a particulary potent version of Redskins koolaid. I actually renamed it Burgandy Lean ) [IMG]http://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon12.gif[/IMG]

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Burgandy Lean I like the sound of that please post the recipe. :laughing-

HTTR.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Yeah I am still perfecting that one NYC... [IMG]http://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon10.gif[/IMG]

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

The article had some good solid facts but I would disagree that our 3 top backs are not washed up. CP is reported to be in the best shape of his career. LJ has very few miles on him the last 2 season. Fast Willie has been injured but still should have a burst. I like our backfield and we have 3 backs that can carried the load if if and when called upon.

I also like the off season signing of Carriker , Holiday, Kemo , and Chris Draft to help our defense transition into the 3-4 def.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Lotus;713625]Muwhahahaha!

I've said it before and will again: I think I'm rooting for Torain more than any other player.[/quote]

I am eager to see this guy in action too.
I know little about him, but what I know is that Mel Kiper loved this kid coming out of college, saying he was #2 Sr RB...only problem is that the guy is always injured, and was at the time with a bad foot.
The other thing is he is not a burner...a 4.5/4.6 40 guy.
(clocked at 4.6 while rehabbing)
Because of that and his tendancy to hit hard...he is a between the tackles guy..I don't know if he can block...(a player of this style usually loves to block) Shanny loved the kid...said he was one of the best he's seen.

He hasn't played a full season or even half of one since his Junior year.
He lost half a season as a senior due to a foot injury(Lisfranc midfoot), broke an elbow as a rookie in Denver and last preseason tore a ACL in his knee and went out for the whole season. A torn ACL and not playing last year is pretty concerning. I would think speed issues combined with knee and foot injury history could affect ability to make sharp cuts. I would watch for inability to turn the corner in preseason...probably not a guy to run sweeps...more of a fullback style back...that may be limiting.
I would expect him to be able to get tough yards up the gut.
He apparantly can catch really well too, he hits hard and does not go down easy.

On paper this guy should have a legit shot to make #3 RB over Parker.
If we sign Westbrook though...I doubt he has a shot...they'd essentially have to carry 4 backs to keep him (excluding FBs) I doubt that is likely.

Hopefully this kid is fully healed and his speed times are understated.
That, and the injuries are why he was in the 5th round.

I think it is Portis, Johnson, and either Westbrook or Torrain in that order That looks pretty solid to me.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

Scorching but on the point and fair. I like.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

^ Try reading it again. It's full of recycled, generic, same-old media bashing against the Skins, which isn't even accurate anymore.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

when does camp start??? is it next week?

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=skinsfan69;713821]when does camp start??? is it next week?[/quote]

July 29

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Buster;713819]^ Try reading it again. It's full of recycled, generic, same-old media bashing against the Skins, which isn't even accurate anymore.[/quote]

Not sure we're the ones who need to read it again.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Buster;713653]It's wrong from the first line. Snyder is taking a new hands-off approach. Losing Vinny was also a huge change for the organization.

Shanahan and Allen are transforming this team, addressing needs that were long ignored (O-line, True Franchise QB) and making changes we've never seen before (3-4 defense).

This is a path we've never traveled down before. Sure, there is the alleged similarity to the "Over the Hill Gang", but not entirely, as we have a good young core of young players as well as experienced. Where we could not fill gaps with rookies and young talent with upside, we've plugged with proven vets.

Of course, it is the NY Times, tough to take their sports analysis seriously. It's also easy for any media source to just recycle the same annual arguments and insults against the Redskins and Dan Snyder. If they were REALLY paying attention like we do as fans, they'd see a completely new path and attitude at Redskins Park.[/quote]


Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Buster;713837]Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that [B]Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions[/B]?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.[/quote]

We did sign McNabb and a host of old vet RBs and nowhere in the article does it say he's is "controlling football decisions." The article articulates that there is no difference between now and then except for Allen. First you had Marty, then Spurrier, then Gibbs, then Zorn, and now Shanahan. Do you see a pattern?

I don't know how any rational human being can't see the article for what it is...a good article. In fact I was surprised how good it was because NYT isn't really know for its in-depth sports analysis outside of the NY area.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[QUOTE]Contrary to popular belief, the Washington Redskins are not driving down a different road in 2010. They’re driving down the same Dan Snyder highway – they’re just in a faster, fancier car. At least this time Snyder minion Vinny Cerrato isn’t behind the wheel. But once again, the Skins enter a season with a new high-profile coach. Things didn’t work out with offensive maharishi Steve Spurrier, and results were lukewarm under multi-Super Bowl champion Joe Gibbs. (And the Jim Zorn era managed to live down to expectations.) So, this time, they’re trying a mix: offensive maharishi and multi-Super Bowl champion, Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan has final say on all football operations, but he works closely with new G.M. Bruce Allen. Upon being hired last December, Allen, in a nod to the past, said, “The future is now.” (Allen’s father, George, took over the Redskins as coach in 1971 and immediately began trading future draft picks for proven veterans, many of whom had played for him in Los Angeles. At one of his first press conferences, he said, “The future is now.”)[/QUOTE]

I don't see the word "flashy" here nor any mention of Snyder controlling football decisions

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Buster;713837]Read the article's first sentence, then my post.

So you and the NYT agree that Snyder is still trying to buy an on-field fantasy team and is controlling football decisions?

If you can't see an entirely different, new direction from past years...I don't know what to say.

This season, we're being run by real football geniuses and most years' blind hope is real, substantiated optimism this year. We've fixed so many MAJOR issues with the team very quickly.

Also, comparing Shanahan to Spurrier as "flashy" is laughable...there is no comparison between the two. A rookie NFL coach from a big time recruiting school to a 2-time Super Bowl winner?

[B]Saying we'll have a non-explosive offense? The line, as the article called possibly formidable, with McNabb and Shanahan's running game...with two Pro Bowl-caliber TEs...won't be explosive? I think Portis will have a great year and LJ reducing his load will only help.[/B][/quote]

Have to agree with you on that last point...this guy can say what he wants about the OL but for every detractor out there saying the OL is a mess, there is someone out there saying the OL is already the best in the division and one of the best in the league. Don't want to drown in the kool-aid so I think we are somewhere in the middle -- with a new group, an untested rookie, I think we have a solid not stellar OL with plenty of upside but certainly miles better than the scrub unit we fielded last year.

This is the year that Davis shows he is not only an elite tight end but pass-catcher in this league. McNabb has already said that Davis can play and that is big praise coming from someone who has played in the league for 10 years. Shanahan is a good teacher and it was under him that Portis had the two best seasons of his career.

All in all, the same old rehashed Redskins bashing...but something is afoot. This team is going places.

HTTR

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;713841]I don't see the word "flashy" here nor any mention of Snyder controlling football decisions[/quote]
Yes, but it's tenuous connection at best that Bruce's style of picking up players is like his dad's. I mean, Allen didn't just prefer vets, he absolutely hated rookies and the draft and traded away picks like they were nothing for "his guys".

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

LOL. I guess it's just safe to say we'll still be bad due to our past decade and what not, but honestly it's just stupid.

Guy acts like these off season changes are really no big deal, come on.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

That was uplifting

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=InsaneBoost;713985]LOL. I guess it's just safe to say we'll still be bad due to our past decade and what not, but honestly it's just stupid.

Guy acts like these off season changes are really no big deal, come on.[/quote]

Well let's face it, we're coming off a 4-12 year and we have a lot of new pieces that may or may not work. Like he said, we'll probably be the most improved but we have a lot of work to do to get back to the top. Can it happen? Sure, but to think it may not happen this year isn't unrealistic

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;713992]Well let's face it, we're coming off a 4-12 year and we have a lot of new pieces that may or may not work. Like he said, we'll probably be the most improved but we have a lot of work to do to get back to the top. Can it happen? Sure, but to think it may not happen this year isn't unrealistic[/quote]

I'm just taking it from his attitude. It felt like he acted like Gibbs v2 was a failure. In the goal to win a Super Bowl, yes, but he definitely turned the team around, two playoff appearances with him, don't see how that was really a failure.

I just don't see how it appears he thinks that Shanahan and Allen wont do anything much better for the franchise. Reason I put it that way is because it sounded like he was saying they were only better than Cerrato.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=Paintrain;713643]I agree Ruh, it is difficult to argue against the article but it seems rather generic in following the Skins-bash formula of writers. Point out Snyder's shortcomings as an owner, talk about the age of the team (ignoring that the Saints were one of the NFL's oldest teams last year-age is overrated), talk about the middling WR group being less than what McNabb had in Philly, talk about the OL weaknesses from '09 and of course the obligatory Haynesworth commentary. Blah, blah, blah.

I'd love to see a national writer talk about the value of a winning pedigree with Shanahan and McNabb and the positives they bring. Talk about how even in the midst of the Zorn debacle the team was in all but about 4 games last year so there is talent here.

It also amazes me that Portis, Johnson and Parker are 'worn down' but no-one mentions Marion Barber & Brandon Jacobs fading badly the past 2 seasons. Felix Jones is fast but fragile and what has McCoy proven in Philly? Nobody will confuse our trio with young and spry but are they ready for the retirement home like most writers seem to think?

The article isn't wrong factually nor is it overly biased against us, just kinda lazy.[/quote]



Well said. Where was the climax here?? It is not an antagonist take on our outlook as fans, it is a bland assessment of what we did as a bottom tier team in the division in the off-season. These are not the 02-03 wizards piecing together young/old stars and pseudo/ real stars. I think the improvements at o-line will take us to 9 + wins despite our lack of "explosiveness". I compare the 2010 redskins to the 2006 Patriots. A well balanced team that can win a division, and sneak up on teams in the playoffs. Veteran and symbolic of their head coach. Not the same continuity as the pats team.. but a similar steadily progressive offensive team, void of the big play but a winning winning style. AND A 3-4 D !!

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=scafuri27;713994]Well said. Where was the climax here?? It is not an antagonist take on our outlook as fans, it is a bland assessment of what we did as a bottom tier team in the division in the off-season. These are not the 02-03 wizards piecing together young/old stars and pseudo/ real stars. I think the improvements at o-line will take us to 9 + wins despite our lack of "explosiveness". I compare the 2010 redskins to the 2006 Patriots. A well balanced team that can win a division, and sneak up on teams in the playoffs. Veteran and symbolic of their head coach. Not the same continuity as the pats team.. but a similar steadily progressive offensive team, void of the big play but a winning winning style. AND A 3-4 D !![/quote]I think the arguments about the depth of the article are just basic critiques of an outsider's perspective on the Redskins. I think guys like Benoit can dig a little bit deeper for each of the 32 teams (just a little), maybe into something like a McNabb age progression analysis, but when he notes things like our receivers being "unable to beat man coverage", that's a pretty impressive attention to detail for a writer who doesn't waste a lot of time following the Redskins.

Comparisons between DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers, projections for Rocky McIntosh, and appreciation of guys like Phillip Daniels and Andre Carter are things that you can pretty much expect national writers to ignore. Just like you wouldn't expect me to be able to tell you the difference between Johnathon Joseph and Leon Hall (Hall is better), how truly underrated Daryl Smith has been, and appreciate future hall of famer Dwight Freeney's complete mastery of his position vs. more one dimensional guys in the same salary tier like DeMarcus Ware and Elvis Dumerville.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=InsaneBoost;713993]I just don't see how it appears he thinks that Shanahan and Allen wont do anything much better for the franchise. Reason I put it that way is because it sounded like he was saying they were only better than Cerrato.[/quote]My personal opinion of ShanAllen aside, the arrogance of our fans to expect the rest of the world to kiss Snyder's feet for pairing two guys who were fired from their previous jobs is truly staggering.

There's plenty of reason to think that it can work here (namely: we have [U]money[/U], and aren't afraid to throw it around), but it's not going to be because we got the two front office guys that every team wanted. Shanahan would have landed somewhere as a head coach, but we were one of two teams (Buffalo) willing to give up input in personnel. Even Detroit is past the archaic, historically unsuccessful idea that you can have a plus personnel man who is also your head coach. At best, this is going to take a very delicate balance between Shanahan and Allen to co-exist and create a front office better than the sum of it's parts, which is essentially a pair of castoffs.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

I'm glad nobody's talking the Skins up. Winning as an underdog is so much sweeter.

Re: Washington Redskins 2010 season preview (NY Times)
 

[quote=InsaneBoost;713993]I'm just taking it from his attitude. It felt like he acted like Gibbs v2 was a failure. In the goal to win a Super Bowl, yes, but he definitely turned the team around, two playoff appearances with him, don't see how that was really a failure.
[/quote]


Gibbs II was a failure in terms of building a core that could make it to the Super Bowl. Gibbs did not trust the draft, somehow failed to realize the FA's and traded players also came with a risk of not working out, and "spent" his draft picks with little "frugality", Cerrato was just plain stupid, and Snyder was impatient and not football bright. At least with Shanahan and Allen, they seems to be better at squeezing the juice out of the fruit with their transactions(conditional picks, incentive-laden contract, etc).

Making "just making the playoffs" as some standard of "success" means the embracing of mediocrity because the level of competition in the regular season is nowhere near it is in the playoffs. A few lucky bounces and strength of schedule can mean the difference between 10-6 and 6-10. Besides, look at the teams that took part in the Super Bowl during the years the Gibbs II Skins made the playoffs and you'll see that the teams made it to the Super Bowls had some things that were lacking on the Redskins in those years.