[The Huddle]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

I'm remaining optimistic. It's really easy to have no hopes. When you have no expecations you can never be let down. Well sorry, that's not me.

I agree with you to a point, but I don't think it's unreasonable for some normally optimistic fans to sit back in "show me" mode at this point. It's fine to get excited about off-season acquisitions if you want to- God knows I've done it often enough -but with the franchise there really hasn't been any record of splashy spring signings leading to success on the field.
In fact, there hasn't been any record of any sustained success in a decade and half.

Also, while Joe Gibbs status as one of the most beloved figures in franchise history is in no way in jeopardy, I have no problem with open skepticism toward Gibbs II at this point. There's simply nothing impressive about a three year record of 21-27 with just one trip to the playoffs (1-1). Also, it's not at all hard to understand why a 5-11 record three years into a five year deal would bring harsh criticism. I suppose all sorts of analysis can be done to explain how W-L record doesn't accurately reflect the progress that's been made, blah, blah, blah, but at the end of the day it is what it is. If we're going to lavish Gibbs with praise when things go well, it's perfectly fair to hold him accountable when they don't. It's not a one-way street.

I am hopeful that every year will bring success for the Redskins, a hope that has taken root and grown every off season since the George Allen days. I will follow the team's moves in the upcoming months with great interest. But when I separate my hopes from what my best guess is based on the evidence, do I think they will actually field playoff team in 2007? No. Do I think Gibbs II will ultimately be successful? No. Does that make me less of a fan, or a "hater"? I don't think so. It's not a declaration of loyalty/disloyalty; it's just an opinion, no more or less valid than anyone else's. If I turn out to be wrong, great! I'm thrilled! We can toast a Super Bowl championship while I happily listen to others tell me just how wrong I was. On the other hand, if I'm right it doesn't mean I'll be happy about it.