Sticking With The Old ?

[Master4Caster]

The basic assumption going into the season was that the O needed a receiving threat to balance Santana Moss. Such a threat would force double coverage, and that would open scoring opportunities for Moss, Portis and Cooley. With an offense able to score 20 points a game and a top-ten defense, the Redskins believed they could win 11-12 games and make a deep run in the postseason.

So what happened?

1. We have a bottom ten defense. The primary problem is the secondary where Pierson Prioleau's injury is the key factor. Yes, Springs was hurt, but that was only temporary. Prioleau's absense forced the skins to do unnatural things to cover. The secondary is almost all new. Adam Archuleta is asked to cover more than intended. I believe he was brought here to bring pressure on the QB. Injuries in the line and let downs in other positions hurt too. With last year's D, the Skins would have beat the Vikings and the Titans and be 4-3 now.
2. Joe Gibbs concluded that he could not keep up the pace of prez, coach and play caller. He had to give that up. He brought in Al Saunders, who has a similar philosophy and comes from the Don Coryell coaching tree. Gibbs and Saunders go back a long way. But SAunders didn't just tweak the Gibbs offense. He made wholesale changes. We now see that "getting" this offense is harder on the field (and easier to defend) than in practice. It's taking a while for everybody to get it. That's more than a Brunell statement. I think the blocking schemes are different than last year, but can't put my finger on it.
3. Gibbs offense was considered old school. The Skins went on their run when they got fundamental with power running. It got them in the playoffs, but they were worn out when they got there. Saunders is the major practicioner of the "modern" offense. He could be best thing that has happened to the offense, but it seems there is a mismatch of talent to scheme. Again, that's more than a Brunell statement.

Those calling for Campbell for Brunell are bound for disappointment. If Brunell were benched, and the Skins still in contention -- which they are, Gibbs would defer to Saunders on the QB. Saunders would pick the player best able to implement his schemes. That's Todd Collins.