The Mike Shanaplan

[sportscurmudgeon]

If the Redskins win fewer than 6 games this year, then there would be good reason to heap a lot of scorn on Shanahan and company. The reason has nothing to do with whom he drafted or anything about the schemes or anything at all attached to roster creation.

If the Redsksins win fewer than 6 games this year there should be floggings at Redskins Park on the basis of the schedule.

The Redskins get to play the NFC West this year. There are no great teams in the NFC West; there are two bad teams and two mediocre teams there. That represents 4 games against less than fearsome opponents.

In addition, the Redskins get to play the Bills (when did that team last have a winning season) and the Panthers (or should I call them the Pantloads?) There are two more games against less than fearsome opponents.

The Skins have 6 games against mediocre to bad teams right there. If they end this season at 4-12 against that competition, somebody's head ought to roll.

[Longtimefan]

It's not my intention to critique the writers analysis because he does present some udeniable findings. However, to say on the one hand; [quote] Even though it’s going to be a hard season to watch with either Rex Grossman or the unproven John Beck at quarterback, there needs to be a solid foundation set before the team decides to pencil in a young quarterback, and I believe they are taking the cautious steps in doing so. [unquote]

Opinions vary but, I do believe having a solid foundation already in place for a young QB can only serve to speed his development while not having it contribute to what many are saying doomed John Beck in Miami.

On the other hand the writer went on to say [quote] This is the make-or-break year for Mike Shanahan and his coaching staff, if they show progress, then he’s a genius; if he doesn’t, he will be another disappointment to surface in the Nation’s Capital. [unquote]

I don't believe this year will be make-or-break for Shanahan simply because of the facts presented above. What we've just witnessed throughout the course of the draft is the beginning of the building of that foundation. There has to be a starting point and I think most will agree this could very well be it.

[Schneed10]

I found this article to be a little weak actually. I think it states the obvious - at least what's obvious to the intelligent football fan: building through the draft is the smart move.

And saying that we're likely to take a step back doesn't make much sense to me. Consider:

- It will be hard to get QB play much worse that what we had last year. McNabb was awful, look at the numbers. When we put Grossman in we had a great deal more production per game. We also had a lot of turnovers, but McNabb wasn't great in that regard either.

- We haven't even gone through the free agency period yet. There are still plenty of impact players available. It seems silly to assume we're building through the draft now and thus precluding ourselves from building through free agency as well. In the end, the idea is to get Shanahan/Haslett type players, any way you can.

- The offensive line has not been upgraded personnel-wise (yet), but should get better regardless. Trent Williams is likely to grow in his second season and Jamaal Brown is likely to get healthier.

- Last year our only effective runner was Ryan Torain. But as we all know a team must have more than one effective runner (especially considering Torain is hurt so often). The rookies will make an immediate impact in the running game.

- Having a second capable saftety in Atogwe will make a big difference. And having a second pass rush threat will make a big difference.

I think our offense will get very aggressive. We'll be putting up crazy yards, and probably turning it over a lot. I don't think we'll make the playoffs but there's so many sources of potential improvement for the 'Skins.

[Duffman003]

Why do so many people think our team will be awful next year? We have pretty much the same team, except improved on defense. We will probably have another 6-10ish year, unless whoever plays quarterback somehow plays worse or better than donovan grossman

[Big C]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I found this article to be a little weak actually. I think it states the obvious - at least what's obvious to the intelligent football fan: building through the draft is the smart move.

And saying that we're likely to take a step back doesn't make much sense to me. Consider:

- It will be hard to get QB play much worse that what we had last year. McNabb was awful, look at the numbers. When we put Grossman in we had a great deal more production per game. We also had a lot of turnovers, but McNabb wasn't great in that regard either.

- We haven't even gone through the free agency period yet. There are still plenty of impact players available. It seems silly to assume we're building through the draft now and thus precluding ourselves from building through free agency as well. In the end, the idea is to get Shanahan/Haslett type players, any way you can.

- The offensive line has not been upgraded personnel-wise (yet), but should get better regardless. Trent Williams is likely to grow in his second season and Jamaal Brown is likely to get healthier.

- Last year our only effective runner was Ryan Torain. But as we all know a team must have more than one effective runner (especially considering Torain is hurt so often). The rookies will make an immediate impact in the running game.

- Having a second capable saftety in Atogwe will make a big difference. And having a second pass rush threat will make a big difference.

I think our offense will get very aggressive. We'll be putting up crazy yards, and probably turning it over a lot. I don't think we'll make the playoffs but there's so many sources of potential improvement for the 'Skins.

agree completely. not to mention its everyone's second year in the offense as well, second year in the 3-4, etc. as long as we re-sign santana moss, i dont really see why we would be worse than last year. we havent lost anyone, yet, aside from mcnabb and haynesworth which are certain, and have added a good free safety in atogwe and had a good draft.

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I found this article to be a little weak actually. I think it states the obvious - at least what's obvious to the intelligent football fan: building through the draft is the smart move.

And saying that we're likely to take a step back doesn't make much sense to me. Consider:

- It will be hard to get QB play much worse that what we had last year. McNabb was awful, look at the numbers. When we put Grossman in we had a great deal more production per game. We also had a lot of turnovers, but McNabb wasn't great in that regard either.

- We haven't even gone through the free agency period yet. There are still plenty of impact players available. It seems silly to assume we're building through the draft now and thus precluding ourselves from building through free agency as well. In the end, the idea is to get Shanahan/Haslett type players, any way you can.

- The offensive line has not been upgraded personnel-wise (yet), but should get better regardless. Trent Williams is likely to grow in his second season and Jamaal Brown is likely to get healthier.

- Last year our only effective runner was Ryan Torain. But as we all know a team must have more than one effective runner (especially considering Torain is hurt so often). The rookies will make an immediate impact in the running game.

- Having a second capable saftety in Atogwe will make a big difference. And having a second pass rush threat will make a big difference.

I think our offense will get very aggressive. We'll be putting up crazy yards, and probably turning it over a lot. I don't think we'll make the playoffs but there's so many sources of potential improvement for the 'Skins.

Agreed. I don't expect a playoff season, but I do expect a more fun season watching a very young team grow and play aggressively.

[redskins121684]

When you really go back and look at some of the games the Skins lost last year it really will be difficult to play worse. I think the running game will be somewhat improved if Helu and Royster can contribute at all. Neither can pass protect but they both come from big programs where they put up serious numbers.

Trent played well at times and should only get better in his second season. The big question mark for me is who plays the right tackle and center positions. JB will probably want to play somewhere as a left tackle and Rabach is just not able to play anymore. Whoever does end up taking the snaps will probably be running for his life a lot. There are some big FA tackles that are going to be available but who knows if they fit the blocking the scheme.

Free Agency is really up in the air. If RFA tenders are dropped from the CBA then we may have one of the largest/deepest free angency markets in recent history. But we could go after some nice O-Line talent, and cornerback talent in the event Rogers leaves.

The defense essentially has to improve over last year but for the fact that we have a decent safety in Atogwe and we have a new pass rusher to pair with Orakpo. The 3-4 pass rush lives and dies with the ability to generate pressure from both edges and collapse the pocket. The really big x factor now is who will be playing the nose spot. I think Chris Neild could push for serious playing time.

[redsk1]

It's going to be another tough year. Are we going to be worse than last? I don't know. It's difficult to say right now. It's a possibility though. Sometimes you've got to take a step back in order to improve.

[skinsfaninok]

Originally Posted by redsk1

It's going to be another tough year. Are we going to be worse than last? I don't know. It's difficult to say right now. It's a possibility though. Sometimes you've got to take a step back in order to improve.

How would we be worse? The Defense is already improved and we drafter a WR that will start day 1... Just wait and see my man

[Redskin Warrior]

Originally Posted by skinsfaninok

How would we be worse? The Defense is already improved and we drafter a WR that will start day 1... Just wait and see my man

I don't think we will be worst I feel we are 2-3 years away from being serious SB contenders. I also agree that we should re-build or re-tool so to speak before getting a franchise QB. I thought Shanny was going to do that last year & keep J.C. I feel ATL, BAL, STL, NYJ success came from that philosophy so NYJ could take there franchise QB to the AFC Championship game twice in a row as a rookie & sophomore. We will be improved but not yet a elite franchise.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by Redskin Warrior

I don't think we will be worst I feel we are 2-3 years away from being serious SB contenders. I also agree that we should re-build or re-tool so to speak before getting a franchise QB. I thought Shanny was going to do that last year & keep J.C. I feel ATL, BAL, STL, NYJ success came from that philosophy so NYJ could take there franchise QB to the AFC Championship game twice in a row as a rookie & sophomore. We will be improved but not yet a elite franchise.

To be fair also BAL and ATL had off years, either do to injuries or the lost of Vick, that yeild them the high picks to get Flacco and Ryan. So I would not necessarily say those two teams planned for those QB's.

Also, to be fair even further I don't know how much of a franchise QB Flacco is going to end up being. He is really starting to show some rust on his armor and with the Ravens defense getting even older they will need the offense to step up. Flacco has so many weapons and a great/good line and he is still at best average. I think a lot of folks prematurely anointed him the franchise QB simply becasue like everyone else we are desperate for the next great franchise QB. Honestly you can say the same case about Sanchez, he has not done anything to make me go I wish we had him. Now Bradford makes me cry at night "why why could we not have him!".

[Redskin Warrior]

Originally Posted by mredskins

To be fair also BAL and ATL had off years, either do to injuries or the lost of Vick, that yeild them the high picks to get Flacco and Ryan. So I would not necessarily say those two teams planned for those QB's.

Also, to be fair even further I don't know how much of a franchise QB Flacco is going to end up being. He is really starting to show some rust on his armor and with the Ravens defense getting even older they will need the offense to step up. Flacco has so many weapons and a great/good line and he is still at best average. I think a lot of folks prematurely anointed him the franchise QB simply becasue like everyone else we are desperate for the next great franchise QB. Honestly you can say the same case about Sanchez, he has not done anything to make me go I wish we had him. Now Bradford makes me cry at night "why why could we not have him!".

I agree on Flacco & Sanchez being average maybe slighty above average. But there franchises can win games in other ways until they fully develop & learn there craft. Whether its the running game or defense I also think BAL can win and will always be able to win with a Trent Dilfer prototype QB. They really focus on defense more than offense for sure. We aren't good on defense or offense no franchise OL other than Trent we got some work to do. Even if they didn't plan on getting Ryan or Flacco they had the supporting cast the take them to the playoffs with them.

[Monksdown]

Originally Posted by Redskin Warrior

I don't think we will be worst I feel we are 2-3 years away from being serious SB contenders. I also agree that we should re-build or re-tool so to speak before getting a franchise QB. I thought Shanny was going to do that last year & keep J.C. I feel ATL, BAL, STL, NYJ success came from that philosophy so NYJ could take there franchise QB to the AFC Championship game twice in a row as a rookie & sophomore. We will be improved but not yet a elite franchise.

superbowl contenders is a stretch. i look for consistent playoff appearances. the next step is being the best in the nfc(currently last in our division), and then you get lucky on top of that strong organization to get a superbowl win.

[redsk1]

Originally Posted by skinsfaninok

How would we be worse? The Defense is already improved and we drafter a WR that will start day 1... Just wait and see my man

Not saying we will be but it's a possibility. I think like alot of us think, that it will be the 2nd year in MS's system. We've got some young guys coming in..we signed Otogwe..there's a chance we'll be better.

We could be worse though. Moss may not return. Rogers may not. McIntosh may not. We've added some draftees but they're unproven right now. The oline improved toward the end of the year but was horrible most of it. Our QB situation is still up in the air. We've got alot of "ifs."

After Free Agency we'll know alot more.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by redsk1

Not saying we will be but it's a possibility. I think like alot of us think, that it will be the 2nd year in MS's system. We've got some young guys coming in..we signed Otogwe..there's a chance we'll be better.

We could be worse though. Moss may not return. Rogers may not. McIntosh may not. We've added some draftees but they're unproven right now. The oline improved toward the end of the year but was horrible most of it. Our QB situation is still up in the air. We've got alot of "ifs."

After Free Agency we'll know alot more.

We'll be better, not worse, if McIntosh is gone. He's a complete bum who gives us nothing, and has NEVER lived up to the billing when you consider what we gave up to get him. Major whiff by Gibbs and Cerrato.