The Warpath's Minicamp Coverage

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Joe, I'm just wondering, since you've been at minicamp and training camp the past few years now, what kind of overall vibe are you picking up on this year compared to years in the past?

Seems to me the "team" atmosphere is really shining through this year as pointed out by Coach Gibbs with the phenomenal off-season attendance mark... is that the same feeling you're getting as well?

There's definitely a different vibe this year. There's an overriding sense of genuine, resolute confidence in the team that exudes from the players. The consistent and repetitive expression of solidarity from all levels of the organization certainly gives any observer the impression that this is a team with one vision, one soul and one goal: restore the Redskins to glory. You can truly sense the bold spirit and temerity of this coaching staff in the positive demeanor of the players.

Last year, there was certainly excitement surrounding Gibbs's return, but there was also an undertow of anxiety and doubt that lurked beneath the surface. This year, it's almost the opposite: for all the outward appearances of tumult and chaos that have characterized the Redskins' offseason, there's this inner peace and stoic resolve that indicates this team will forge ahead undaunted-- and perhaps stronger than many would expect. Maybe this offseason's well-documented battles with the media are the perfect example of this underdog-like, "us against the world" mentality that seems to have hardened the will of this organization.