[JWsleep]

Originally Posted by Prop13

"When we lost Patten, we took a big hit."

I'm not so sure Patten was the answer either. Patten may be a legitimate slot. We need another receiver, what Moss did by himself is all the more impressive considering that he did it by himself. We got by without a legitimate threat on one end of the defensive line too. We got by without much depth on the offensive line.

...but we didn't just get by--we got to the playoffs. ...and that's largely because of coaching. Any Redskin Fan that doesn't see the incredible job Gibbs did this year just isn't lookin'. The difference is character, and Gibbs has it comin' out his ears. Look at the teams who made legitimate runs this year--all character teams, all with character coaches. As of a couple of days ago, there were ten teams lookin' for coaches--all ten of those teams will start next season two years behind us, at best. ...and if they're not character guys, they're not legitimate contenders. Gibbs should hang up his clipboard? ...That's nuts!

Home field advantage means so much in the playoffs. If a couple of plays had gone the other way this season, we'd have played yesterday's game at home. Those plays will go our way next season. Over sixteen games, coaching is the difference. ...Joe Gibbs is the difference between how far we got without him, and what we did this year. ...and we've got Williams back for next year too!

I think the expectations of anyone who thought we'd go farther this year were unrealistic. Playoff losses hurt much worse when you think you're only gonna get a shot once every ten years, but I remember when any year we didn't make the playoffs was considered a failure. ...I look at where the team is now, and I think those days are right around the corner again.

I remember, when I was a wee fan, when we really were hopeless losers. Being a 'skins fan back then meant cryin' tough, and stickin' with the bandwagon even when the parade was over. That ethic was exemplified by people like Sonny Jurgensen. I always figured if I had a son, I'd name him Sonny Jurgensen Shultz.

....but Joe Gibbs Shultz kinda has a nice ring to it too! We don't have to cry tough. We don't have to cry at all, 'cause I don't think this parade's over yet. I think it's just gettin' warmed up.

Great post! welcome!