Something to Prove!

12thMan · 07-06-2007, 05:33 PM

Yes, let's continue with the theme of fives. Here's my short list of 5 coaches who, aren't neccessarily on the hot seat, but they have something to prove this year.

Jon Gruden. Training camp couldn't have started soon enough for Gruden; He's been chomping at the bit and drawing new diagrams since January. Gruden was once considered one of the darling coaches of the NFL, but has seen his teams decline since becoming the youngest coach to win the Super Bowl. I don't care who's in the starting line-up for Tampa Bay this year, you'll see a different team. Gruden is itching to return to his winning ways, and look for that intensity to tranfer to the field.

Marvin Lewis. Still considered one of the brightest defensive minds in the game, when he arrived in Cincy, Lewis thought he was signing up for the NFL not JV football. Lewis is now faced with the task of taking a talented team and keeping them focused on football, and more importantly winning. If anyone can do it, Marvin Lewis can. Look for Lewis to have the Bengals in the thick of things this year.

Joe Gibbs. The pundits are already chomping at the bit with their annual "Gibbs has lost it" rhetoric. If the Redskins can keep their budding star quarterback, Jason Campbell, healthy this could very well be the year Joe Gibbs blows the whole thing open in Washington. Coach Gibbs adheres to a quiet intensity, and his players will be focused and ready to compete for the 2007 campaign. Joe Gibbs has a special attachment to the city of Washington, D.C. and more than anything, he wants to bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back to what Gibbs calls,"The greates fans anywhere."

Bill Belichik. If anyone thinks Belichik isn't pissed about not going all the way last year, think again. The bar is high in New England, and with all the off-season additions, Belichik will expect even more from the Pats in '07. Another Super Bowl run by Belichik could cement his legacy as the greatest coach of all time. Don't think for a minute that it's not in the back of his mind either.

Norv Turner. Norv Turner has more lives than Cat Woman. But it's either put up, shut up, or get out for Norv this year. Turner inherits a San Diego team many around the league believe is the most talented in all of football. After unsuccessful stints in both Washington and Oakland, Norv and the Chargers are hoping the third time is a charm. A disappointing playoff lost last year and aruguably the greatest running back on the planet, Norv no doubt is feeling the pressure to take the Chargers all the way to the big dance and vindicate himself as an average NFL coach.

BigSKINBauer · 07-06-2007, 05:40 PM

I like the list. Only thing is, i think belichik doesn't really have much left to prove. I am sure he feels he should win the super bowl but nothing can tarnish his name and he doesn't need to do anything to keep it. Another super bowl would be amazing however.

I'd like to put another NFC east coach in the mix. Andy reid still has to win a super bowl. He is a great coach but he hasn't been able to win the big ones and it seems like the blame doesn't fall on him. He is a fantastic coach but he needs a super bowl to prove his legitimacy among the best coaches.

12thMan · 07-06-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

I like the list. Only thing is, i think belichik doesn't really have much left to prove. I am sure he feels he should win the super bowl but nothing can tarnish his name and he doesn't need to do anything to keep it. Another super bowl would be amazing however.

I'd like to put another NFC east coach in the mix. Andy reid still has to win a super bowl. He is a great coach but he hasn't been able to win the big ones and it seems like the blame doesn't fall on him. He is a fantastic coach but he needs a super bowl to prove his legitimacy among the best coaches.

Yeah, I thought about Reid too, I just had to spread the love a little

jbcjr14 · 07-06-2007, 06:09 PM

I agree with the Norval summary. He does have one of the most talented teams in the league and he MUST put up or shut up this year. There should be no excuses this time around if he can't get it done.

MTK · 07-06-2007, 08:08 PM

I have a great feeling about this year for the Skins. I think those that have already buried Gibbs are going to be eating their words by the end of the year.

skinsfan_nn · 07-06-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I have a great feeling about this year for the Skins. I think those that have already buried Gibbs are going to be eating their words by the end of the year.

Well put, couldn't agree any more! Joe & THE SKINS will be the BIG SURPRISE of the NFL this season.

GusFrerotte · 07-06-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

Well put, couldn't agree any more! Joe & THE SKINS will be the BIG SURPRISE of the NFL this season.

How so? Philly and Dallas will be hungrier than ever, and the Gmen somehow found a way to beat us last year. Unless we surprise ourselves with an effective pass rush and better WR output, don't count on us being in the preseason. Only hope we have is to repeat 1999 when we totally surprised folks and had the most high powered offense with Johnson, Davis, Alexander, Westbrook, Connell, etc. Johnson and Alexander were upgrades for sure from the Gus era. Thing is we didn't really upgrade at all this season with the exception of LB and S. I still think we have too many ifs to be answered to get overly excited this season. I guess I am like Randy Quaid in Major League. Cheer the hell for them when they lose and can't believe it when they win and expect them to botch it in the end. Bottom line is these guys need to start winning for get me on the bandwagon this season.Being a homer can be mighty disappointing, especially when the Cowboys make it to the playoffs.

LMsexyAO · 07-06-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

How so? Philly and Dallas will be hungrier than ever, and the Gmen somehow found a way to beat us last year. Unless we surprise ourselves with an effective pass rush and better WR output, don't count on us being in the preseason. Only hope we have is to repeat 1999 when we totally surprised folks and had the most high powered offense with Johnson, Davis, Alexander, Westbrook, Connell, etc. Johnson and Alexander were upgrades for sure from the Gus era. Thing is we didn't really upgrade at all this season with the exception of LB and S. I still think we have too many ifs to be answered to get overly excited this season. I guess I am like Randy Quaid in Major League. Cheer the hell for them when they lose and can't believe it when they win and expect them to botch it in the end. Bottom line is these guys need to start winning for get me on the bandwagon this season.Being a homer can be mighty disappointing, especially when the Cowboys make it to the playoffs.

So.. you're openly admitting that you're a bandwagon fan? That's a pretty fickle attitude. You gotta stay on that bandwagon through the good times and the bad.

skinsfan_nn · 07-06-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

How so? Philly and Dallas will be hungrier than ever, and the Gmen somehow found a way to beat us last year. Unless we surprise ourselves with an effective pass rush and better WR output, don't count on us being in the preseason. Only hope we have is to repeat 1999 when we totally surprised folks and had the most high powered offense with Johnson, Davis, Alexander, Westbrook, Connell, etc. Johnson and Alexander were upgrades for sure from the Gus era. Thing is we didn't really upgrade at all this season with the exception of LB and S. I still think we have too many ifs to be answered to get overly excited this season. I guess I am like Randy Quaid in Major League. Cheer the hell for them when they lose and can't believe it when they win and expect them to botch it in the end. Bottom line is these guys need to start winning for get me on the bandwagon this season.Being a homer can be mighty disappointing, especially when the Cowboys make it to the playoffs.

Dude, what are you trippin on? Last year doesn't buy you JACK SHIT, THIS YEAR!

You don't think we will be hungry, is that what I'm understanding you to say?

If we need to start winning for you to be on the "bandwagon".... you don't sound like any kind of REAL FAN I KNOW TO BEGIN WITH!

70Chip · 07-06-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I have a great feeling about this year for the Skins. I think those that have already buried Gibbs are going to be eating their words by the end of the year.

I do too. These other ball clubs better have their groups ready to play big boy football or they will be in serious trouble. I believe this is going to be our finest hour, gentleman. God, I can't wait.

GMScud · 07-07-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

How so? Philly and Dallas will be hungrier than ever, and the Gmen somehow found a way to beat us last year. Unless we surprise ourselves with an effective pass rush and better WR output, don't count on us being in the preseason. Only hope we have is to repeat 1999 when we totally surprised folks and had the most high powered offense with Johnson, Davis, Alexander, Westbrook, Connell, etc. Johnson and Alexander were upgrades for sure from the Gus era. Thing is we didn't really upgrade at all this season with the exception of LB and S. I still think we have too many ifs to be answered to get overly excited this season. I guess I am like Randy Quaid in Major League. Cheer the hell for them when they lose and can't believe it when they win and expect them to botch it in the end. Bottom line is these guys need to start winning for get me on the bandwagon this season.Being a homer can be mighty disappointing, especially when the Cowboys make it to the playoffs.

Yeah, but we were ravaged by injury on the defensive side of the ball, and Brunell started 9 games and was average at best. Plus Portis went down, and yet we still had the 4th most rushing yards in the league. With consistency at the QB position, a healthy Clinton, and a healthy and beefed up D, I think we have a great chance to be a playoff caliber team. Frankly I think we'll finish 2nd behind Philly and contend for a wild card spot. Wade Phillips has never been a good head coach in this league, and I don't see him making the playoffs in his 1st year in big D. Coughlin is a lame duck, and the Giants are going to be one of the worst teams in the NFC. Eli stinks, they have a bad O-line, a BAD secondary, they lost Tiki and now have no real threat in the running game....

Who pissed in your Wheaties by the way??

EARTHQUAKE2689 · 07-08-2007, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

Well put, couldn't agree any more! Joe & THE SKINS will be the BIG SURPRISE of the NFL this season.

It wont be a suprise for us Skins fans!

skinsguy · 07-08-2007, 02:46 PM

I have a better feeling about this year as well. I do think, however, that it will be important for us to have a good showing in preseason this year.

12thMan · 07-08-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinsguy

I have a better feeling about this year as well. I do think, however, that it will be important for us to have a good showing in preseason this year.

But how do you guage a good pre-season? Historically speaking, Gibbs' teams usually don't fair too well during pre-season. It's important to stay healthy and see some degree of timing between JC and his recievers, but I wouldn't look for too much more than that.

12thMan · 07-08-2007, 02:51 PM

I think the one thing that Gibbs and Co. will take away from last season, is that you have let these guys just go out play football.

07-06-2007, 05:33 PM	#1
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Something to Prove! Yes, let's continue with the theme of fives. Here's my short list of 5 coaches who, aren't neccessarily on the hot seat, but they have something to prove this year. Jon Gruden. Training camp couldn't have started soon enough for Gruden; He's been chomping at the bit and drawing new diagrams since January. Gruden was once considered one of the darling coaches of the NFL, but has seen his teams decline since becoming the youngest coach to win the Super Bowl. I don't care who's in the starting line-up for Tampa Bay this year, you'll see a different team. Gruden is itching to return to his winning ways, and look for that intensity to tranfer to the field. Marvin Lewis. Still considered one of the brightest defensive minds in the game, when he arrived in Cincy, Lewis thought he was signing up for the NFL not JV football. Lewis is now faced with the task of taking a talented team and keeping them focused on football, and more importantly winning. If anyone can do it, Marvin Lewis can. Look for Lewis to have the Bengals in the thick of things this year. Joe Gibbs. The pundits are already chomping at the bit with their annual "Gibbs has lost it" rhetoric. If the Redskins can keep their budding star quarterback, Jason Campbell, healthy this could very well be the year Joe Gibbs blows the whole thing open in Washington. Coach Gibbs adheres to a quiet intensity, and his players will be focused and ready to compete for the 2007 campaign. Joe Gibbs has a special attachment to the city of Washington, D.C. and more than anything, he wants to bring the Vince Lombardi trophy back to what Gibbs calls,"The greates fans anywhere." Bill Belichik. If anyone thinks Belichik isn't pissed about not going all the way last year, think again. The bar is high in New England, and with all the off-season additions, Belichik will expect even more from the Pats in '07. Another Super Bowl run by Belichik could cement his legacy as the greatest coach of all time. Don't think for a minute that it's not in the back of his mind either. Norv Turner. Norv Turner has more lives than Cat Woman. But it's either put up, shut up, or get out for Norv this year. Turner inherits a San Diego team many around the league believe is the most talented in all of football. After unsuccessful stints in both Washington and Oakland, Norv and the Chargers are hoping the third time is a charm. A disappointing playoff lost last year and aruguably the greatest running back on the planet, Norv no doubt is feeling the pressure to take the Chargers all the way to the big dance and vindicate himself as an average NFL coach.

07-06-2007, 05:40 PM	#2
BigSKINBauer Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Washington, DC Age: 36 Posts: 5,688	Re: Something to Prove! I like the list. Only thing is, i think belichik doesn't really have much left to prove. I am sure he feels he should win the super bowl but nothing can tarnish his name and he doesn't need to do anything to keep it. Another super bowl would be amazing however. I'd like to put another NFC east coach in the mix. Andy reid still has to win a super bowl. He is a great coach but he hasn't been able to win the big ones and it seems like the blame doesn't fall on him. He is a fantastic coach but he needs a super bowl to prove his legitimacy among the best coaches.

07-06-2007, 06:09 PM	#4
jbcjr14 The Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 54 Posts: 2,015	Re: Something to Prove! I agree with the Norval summary. He does have one of the most talented teams in the league and he MUST put up or shut up this year. There should be no excuses this time around if he can't get it done. __________________ "Work Harder: millions on welfare are counting on you" - Obama 2009 address to Congress.

07-06-2007, 08:08 PM	#5
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY Age: 52 Posts: 99,569	Re: Something to Prove! I have a great feeling about this year for the Skins. I think those that have already buried Gibbs are going to be eating their words by the end of the year. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

07-08-2007, 02:46 PM	#13
skinsguy Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Posts: 6,766	Re: Something to Prove! I have a better feeling about this year as well. I do think, however, that it will be important for us to have a good showing in preseason this year. __________________ "Fire Up That Diesel!"

07-08-2007, 02:51 PM	#15
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Re: Something to Prove! I think the one thing that Gibbs and Co. will take away from last season, is that you have let these guys just go out play football.

Something to Prove!

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