Gibbs or Saunders: Who Really Has Control?

[12thMan]

Of Two Minds On Offense - washingtonpost.com

Said a Redskins coach of Saunders: "In the end it really came down to control. He thought he was getting full control, but he doesn't have it."

[SouperMeister]

I thought the most telling exchange was Todd Collins telling Brunell during the pre-season that this offense definitely works, but it will take a year to master. That being the case, perhaps the team should have assumed growing pains with the new offense and started Campbell at the beginning of the season. I hope we don't go into next season with Campbell still behind the learning curve after it took so long for Gibbs to make the switch.

[MTK]

The Post has been putting out some great articles lately. I always thought that Gibbs stressing 'Redskins Football' was a direct shot at Saunders. It's interesting to see how a little miscommunication can really throw a serious wrench in the works. Saunders thought he had complete control over the offense, and Gibbs underestimated the differences in philosophies.

If Saunders does stick around these struggles will go a long way in ironing out those differences for next year. Down the stretch the offense was definitely much more physical and the passing game was starting to come on especially against the Giants.

All in all the disaster that was this season came down to too much change too quickly.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I think more than anything it took going back to what they KNEW worked and then sprinkling in some of Saunder's plays.

I guess Gibbs actually does do more than just oversee the whole thing.

[Schneed10]

I assumed from the get-go that when Saunders arrived, he would basically just build upon what the Redskins did well last season. I was dead wrong.

He basically just installed an entirely new offense. Someone please explain the logic of that to me? Obviously the 'Skins now recognize it was a mistake.

Gibbs reasserted himself in November and the team started to look a lot better. The offensive line improved by leaps and bounds at the same time, too. Very frustrating season on offense; and I am VERY encouraged to hear that Gibbs isn't going to veer from the power running next season.

BUT... our big problems are on D, not on offense. The D was the biggest reason we were 5-11.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

BUT... our big problems are on D, not on offense. The D was the biggest reason we were 5-11.

I definitely agree with that, I think the offense is going to be just fine and could really take off next year once Campbell has more experience. The big problem is the D.

[djnemo65]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

The Post has been putting out some great articles lately. I always thought that Gibbs stressing 'Redskins Football' was a direct shot at Saunders.

Haven't they? Especially now that the season has concluded, they are pumping out one great piece after another. But I agree with what Schneed said, as well as others; it's about the D baby. If we had even an ordinary defense we would have probably won 9 games. When you drop from 9th to 31st, that's going to have an impact on a lot of things. If anything, the O is what I am truly optimistic about going into next season.

[Schneed10]

Speaking of Campbell, I need to give Gibbs some love for insisting upon more power running and keeping more guys in to block on passing plays. If you want to develop a QB, you can't have him trying to read how a defense is going to defend five WRs, and then have two seconds to get the ball off. You want your QB to try to read how a defense is going to defend two WRs and maybe a TE, and then have four seconds to get the ball off.

In the beginning of a QB's development, the reads are slower, the reactions are slower. He needs more time in the pocket to go through the progression and make the throw.

Once he's developed those skills, maybe you send more guys out on routes. But kudos to Gibbs for giving Campbell a fighting chance at developing into something. The Saunders style just isn't conducive to a young QB trying to learn.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

One thing I LOVE about Campbell is watching him actually make reads unlike Brunell. If someone isn't open, it's so nice to watch him stand there and actually look all the way across the field before making a decision.

[dmek25]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I think more than anything it took going back to what they KNEW worked and then sprinkling in some of Saunder's plays.

I guess Gibbs actually does do more than just oversee the whole thing.

this is one of the best quotes ever posted here. and good morning malcolm

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Good morning dmek.

It's bittersweet to be back. First day at work in two and a half weeks.

[dmek25]

i know how much that sucks. i have been off 10 days, and go back tonight

[The Zimmermans]

it seems like Gibbs has the control, because now Saunders is required to run the ball 25 times per game regardless of the situation. If he does not meet that quota, then his job is on the line, that's not control. Gibbs and Snyder are in control, which is not a good combination.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by The Zimmermans

it seems like Gibbs has the control, because now Saunders is required to run the ball 25 times per game regardless of the situation. If he does not meet that quota, then his job is on the line, that's not control. Gibbs and Snyder are in control, which is not a good combination.

Who says that he has a 25 rush per game quota??

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

The Post has been putting out some great articles lately. I always thought that Gibbs stressing 'Redskins Football' was a direct shot at Saunders. It's interesting to see how a little miscommunication can really throw a serious wrench in the works. Saunders thought he had complete control over the offense, and Gibbs underestimated the differences in philosophies.

If Saunders does stick around these struggles will go a long way in ironing out those differences for next year. Down the stretch the offense was definitely much more physical and the passing game was starting to come on especially against the Giants.

All in all the disaster that was this season came down to too much change too quickly.

I must say I've been pleased with WP putting out some good articles. They are really getting us the scoop now, not just these two or three minute locker room interiew type articles. I was on Jason LC blogg after the Tom Friend article broke and he seemed a little bitter about the story. A few of the bloggers that day intimated that the local reporters were too chummy with the players and couldn't get to the real meat like Tom Friend could. I think they are definitely redeeming themselves.