Are we the Detroit Lions?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Does it piss me off that we've been in the "Dark Ages" this long, absolutely. But let's put this into some context. We were spoiled by Gibbs & Bethard in the 80s. JKC would spend whatever it took to win. Back then with no Free Agency or salary cap that was fine, but it takes time to adjust to losing a HoF coach and change the way you operate when you used to just outbid for the best players. Also consider JKC was in his twilight years. JKC dies and the franchise is in turmoil until the final purchase by Snyder in May 1999. Snyder made some bonehead moves, but finally had enough sense to beg Gibbs to come back. Gibbs obviously didn't bring us another SB, but 2 playoff appearances in his 4 years are a lot better than the previous 10 years.

In the old days, with Beathard and Gibbs and JKC, we had the perfect formula and knew how to work it with precision. But with the dawn of the 'new era', the disturbing thing is that some teams have been able to figure out and adjust to the new system with free agency and the cap, while this franchise isn't quite there yet.

Some will say that we've got the cap licked. I say, not so fast.

To me, there are three categories that a team can fall into with regard to the salary cap --

-- they can manipulate it brilliantly, like the Colts, Patriots, and Steelers,

-- they can manage it, stay afloat but not really get anywhere, like the Redskins

-- or they can fall into "Cap Hell" like the 49ers of the late 90's.

We are not the only ones who are having trouble with the learning curve of the new era. But I sure as hell am ready to get someone in here who can figure it out. It is my contention that those people are not named Cerrato and Snyder.