Vision Quest: Off Season Game Plan, The Redskin Free Agents

Last week I talked about some of the guys under contract that we need to let go to either make cap room (Walt Harris, Matt Bowen), are too injured to continue (Brandon Noble), can garner great trade value (Patrick Ramsey), or just plain stink and we need the roster space (Cory Raymer, John Hall, Antonio Brown, & Derrick Frost). So now I plan on touching on the Redskin free agents that we should resign or let go.

This is a little different then last year. We had two star players, Antonio Pierce and Fred Smoot up for free Agency that would command big time signing bonuses and action from other teams. None of our free agents are in this category. There are 3 starters (Ryan Clark, Robert Royal, Derrick Dockery) among our list of 12 Redskin free agents. Ironically they are the 3 least talented starters and one could make an argument that a replacement for each if not all. And there are several borderline role players (Rock Cartwright, Omar Stoutmire, Ade Jimoh) that contributed to our success in 2005 in big ways.

So without further ado I will give you my take on our dirty dozen of free agents and give the Verdict on what I think should be done with them.

The Free Agents

Ethan Allbright, LS

The best thing I can say about Big Red is I have not seen or heard about him for each of the last two years. And that is saying a lot. A long snapper’s job is to snap the ball without incident and Allbright did that with surprisingly regularity. Big Red usually negotiates his own contract each year, receiving a little over the vet minimum. The Redskins should look at resigning Allbright to a multi year contract and lock up this valuable asset for awhile.

The Verdict: Resign him, to a multi year contract if feasible.

Ray Brown OG

I know, I know Brown has announced his retirement. But I sure wish we could have talked him into returning for one more year. We need depth at the Oline, and Mr. Brown could be that depth. But he is 43 years old and was starting to look like it in the Seattle game. So Adios Mr. Brown, hope you come back and in a coaching capacity.

The Verdict: He has retired; find out where to send the pension check.

Khary Campbell, MLB

Khary made the team this year as a special teamer but only after Robert McCune failed to make the cut. McCune was on the practice squad but late in the year was signed to the regular roster, activated and started on kickoff coverage as well. I just don’t see him making the squad next year, but I would not mind a resign to vet minimum and let him fight it out in camp.

The Verdict: Camp Fodder, resign only at the vet minimum

Rock Cartwright, RB

I used to love Rock for his name, but this year I love Rock for who he is, one tough little running back willing to do anything to win. I think Rock wants to be back here and I think that Gibbs will bring him back. Rock is a good backup running back and next year Ladell will leave for greener pastures. Rock plays every special team unit and is a great asset to the team.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

Ryan Clark, S

One of 3 starters in the free agent crop for the Redskins. I like Ryan Clark. He plays hard and supports the run well. He is not the greatest in pass coverage though. An upgrade would be great but I don’t see anyone out there that warrants us taking a chance or wasting a draft pick. I am hoping this is not a repeat of the Pierce situation from a year ago. Clark may get offers but none should bust the bank.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

Derrick Dockery, OG

Another starter in free agency. However this one is slightly different. Dockery voided the final year of his contract to make him a restricted free agent. That means the Redskins can match any offer thrown at Dockery and retain his services. The Redskins will have to decide what tender to offer Dockery, the minimum tender which offers no compensation for Dockery signing elsewhere, the normal tender which would result in Washington receiving a third round pick for compensation, or the high tender resulting in Washington getting a first round pick. I am not thrilled with Dockery and would love an upgrade, but I am not sure we have the money for Steve Hutchinson. And even if we did having Dock for decent depth is worth paying him.

The Verdict: Offer him the normal tender and take the third if someone goes crazy for him.

Demetric Evans, DE

Demetric Evans started in place of Renaldo Wynn in the last playoff game but was an average sub most of the year. I don’t see him as the long term answer at DE though. I think the redskins should be drafting a young guy that work into a rotation with Daniels and Wynn, but young guys take time to develop. Boschetti is on the roster but is more of a small tackle then a good DE. Evans has been a reliable backup each of the last two years and deserves a shot at making the roster again. But he is not worth big time money either.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

Warrick Holdman, OLB

Warrick Holdman was quite simply the worst starting LB in the league during the first five games of the year. Once defenses figured out Lavar was not coming in any time soon the ran over him time and time again. Coaches liked that he was in position, unfortunately that position was all too often on his back after getting blocked by wide receivers. Any time given to Holdman will detract from further development of Chris Clemons and Lavar Arrington (or his replacement). I just don’t see Holdman helping us out at all.

The Verdict: Let him go, hope he does not come back.

Ade Jimoh, CB

Ade Jimoh really showed me something this year. He was always a special teams stud but this year he surpassed all expectations. As a gunner on punt coverage he was always in position to make a tackle and limit the opponent to minimal returns. But the one thing always going against Jimoh was his skills, or lack thereof, at CB. This year he played very well on several occasions when other ahead of him were hurt. Now I am not saying he should be our nickel corner next year, but I am comfortable with our fourth CB spot. And since I wasn’t even comfortable with him looking at a wide receiver let alone covering one last year, that is saying something.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

Brian Kozlowski, TE

Why the hell did we sign him again? Oh that is right, horrible depth at TE. Koz played some special teams but that is about it last year. He can’t block and he can’t catch and is 100 years old. The Redskins can get better depth in the draft or in free agency or at a bus stop on a tip from SE Jerome.

The Verdict: Let him go, hope he does not come back.

Robert Royal, TE

Ok I have been a big time basher of Robert Royal. And no there is not truth to the rumor that I have a restraining order out against me ordering me to stay 500’ away from him. I mean 500’ is just ridiculous!!! Seriously though I would not mind Robert Royal coming back. We need depth at TE and Royal can be a quality 2nd TE in the league. I just don’t think he is a good starter. There are not many quality FA TEs out there and taking a chance on a rookie TE may not be the best course to take with so many other needs to fill in the draft (DE for instance). So I guess I will be grumbling and gnashing my teeth for another season.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

Omar Stoutmire, S

Omar played pretty good when used this year, and is decent on special teams. However he is behind Sean Taylor, Ryan Clark and Pierson Prioleau in playing time at Safety. The expected release of Matt Bowen increases the probability of keeping Stoutmire. He is a solid veteran who can be used in dime and quarter packages along with playing almost every special team unit. Most teams only carry four safeties so bringing him back with Ryan Clark can solidify that position and we can concentrate other needs.

The Verdict: Bring him back with a slight pay raise if needed.

That is it for this installment of the off season game plan. Next up we will look into the needs of the Redskins and identify possible free agents to fill those needs.

Vision Quest: Off Season Game Plan, Players To Be Let Go

The Off season is here and it is time to get into the Off Season Game plan. For the first time in years the Redskins are actually behind in their off season plans. Usually the Redskins were out of the playoff race early in the regular season and the last few weeks were used to make evaluations on current veterans as well as rookies. By the end of the regular season there were clear leanings by the front office on who would stay and who would go.

Not this year though. After a playoff run it is anybody’s guess on who is going to stay and who is going to be copying resumes at Kinko’s. The main thinking is that Gibbs wants to keep everyone together and add a few pieces to make a run. Realistically though the Redskins are about 18 million over the projected 2006 salary cap. They need to cut some waste and restructure some contracts to get room to not only resign their own free agents and draft picks, but to make a run at either a free agent WR or DE.

So before we can do any resigning or even evaluating our own free agents or others we have to do the unpleasant task of saying goodbye to a few Redskins who have overstayed their welcome.

Players the Redskins Don’t Need 2006

Here are my 8 nominees of players that I think the redskins can do without in the upcoming year. Last year I nominated 4 players and 3 of them were gone by training camp. The 4th player was Cory Raymer, and he should have been gone as well. Guess what? It looks as if we have may have a two time nominee.

So here are the 8 in order of Cap savings for trading, releasing, or forcing to retire.

Walt Harris
2006 Salary Cap #: 2.75 Million
Cap Savings: 2.00 million

Walt had some good games at the end of the season, but he just can’t cut it anymore. With the emergence of Carlos Rogers Harris would be a nickel, and he makes too much money and does not have the ability to be a solid nickel in the NFL. The Redskins will probably look at youth at the CB position to provide depth and solid reserves. Harris should not be asked back.

Matt Bowen
2006 Salary Cap #: 2.4 million
Cap Savings: 2.00 million

This may be the easiest of all the cuts. Bowen lost his starting spot to Ryan Clark and was not even heard from in backup duty. He is in the final year of his contract and can be cut with relatively little cap charge. Bowen’s injuries and sub par on field performance will not garner any trade requests either. Sorry Mr. Bowen, it’s been nice, but time to find another team.

Brandon Noble
2006 Salary Cap #: 2.63 Million
Cap Savings: 1.7 Million

Noble is not going to be cut, he is going to retire and become part of the coaching staff. His knees just could never recover and with the emergence of Salve’a the Redskins can use him at other levels. Noble battled most of his Redskins career to stay healthy, but could not. He will still be a Redskin and may be an assistant line coach and mold some of the young linemen the Redskins have.

Patrick Ramsey
2006 Salary Cap #: 2.882 million
Cap Savings: 1.688 million

Jason Campbell’s presence on the roster makes Patrick Ramsey obsolete. Brunell will start next year and Campbell will be the primary backup. Ramsey could fetch as high as a 3rd round pick this year and has many possible suitors looking his way. With other Qbs once thought to be available (Rivers, Kitna) are not. More over, Patrick does not want to be here anymore either. It is time to give Ramsey what he wants, a trade to Miami perhaps, and move on.

Cory Raymer
2006 Salary Cap #: 1.119 Million
Cap Savings: .985 Million

Cory Raymer makes the list for the second straight year. Honestly I just don’t know how he survived last year. If there is any doubt to why he should be cut, take a look at the 5 minutes he was playing for Ray Brown in Seattle. Last year I called him “Grass Stains” Raymer because he was the first one in the dirt on every play from scrimmage, but after his failure to put a hat on ANYONE in Seattle I am renaming him Cory “The Statue” Raymer. Time to ship him off to some museum somewhere or perhaps that storage facility in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

John Hall
2006 Salary Cap #: 1.42 Million
Cap Savings: .78 million

John Hall’s leg is obviously giving him major problems. Each of the last two years the redskins have taken chances on him getting healthy only scramble mid season when he goes down to injury. His kickoffs this year were absolutely HORRID. The Redskins need to revamp their entire kicking game, and that starts with John Hall. Hall is paid to be an elite kicker, and is not delivering.

Antonio Brown
2006 Salary Cap #: .46 million
Cap Savings: .46 million

Antonio just does not have the hands to be an NFL receiver or kick returner. The Redskins should be looking to upgrade their return game and Antonio is not part of that plan. He has no signing bonus to worry about so cutting him will give full cap relief.

Derrick Frost
2006 Salary Cap #: .46 million
Cap Savings: .46 million

Simply put, the worst punter in the league, period. How Danny Smith thought he was better then Andy Groom I will never know. Nothing short of incriminating photos with Danny Smith, Tom Delay, and a dead goat could not have gotten this deal done. Tom Tupa should come back, and if not, we should find someone else. I would even welcome Matt Turk and his brother Dan back before this guy. He stinks, end of story.

Total Cap Savings if all above cuts are implemented: 10.073 Million

Honorable Mentions

These are players that probably should not be released out right but are on the cusp of wearing different colors next year. I do not advocate for any of their outright releases, but I could understand if the trigger was pulled on any of them. Again I list them in order of potential CAP savings.

James Thrash
2006 Salary Cap#: 1.125 million
Cap Savings: .875 million

I hate even mentioning him because he really is a core Redskin player, but 1.25 million is a high price to pay for a special team ace/4th or 5th wide out. We should cut Thrash and immediately re-sign him to the vet minimum. By doing that we could save about .5 million and still keep him. Although if we are going to risk losing Thrash then we should bite the bullet and keep him for his price for his special teams play alone.

Tom Tupa
2006 Salary Cap #: .939 million
Cap savings: .601 million

I actually hope they will keep Tupa, but only if he is at 100 percent. It’s hard to see that he would be at 40, but there is always hope. Almost 1 million for a punter is extravagant, but we saw what Derrick Frost costs this team this year. Tupa should be kept if he is healthy and if not an adequate replacement should be found immediately.

Ladell Betts
2006 Salary Cap #: .810 million
Cap Savings: .545 million

Another name I hate putting here as well. And remember this is an honorary mention, I do not think he should be outright released. However he could be packaged in a deal with Patrick Ramsey to pick up a 2nd rounder, perhaps from Arizona. Betts has had injury problems for the Redskins so giving up almost a million if a high price for a running back we will lose next year. However Rock Cartwright is a free agent and his signing would need to be a done deal if Betts is to be carted off to another team.

Taylor Jacobs
2006 Salary Cap #: .841 million
Cap Savings: .117 million

Ok not much savings here, but it does free up a roster spot. Jacobs has been a sad sad disappointment to many fans and coaches alike. He barely gets separation and rarely fights for a ball when thrown his way. In Seattle he ran to the sideline saying he had a concussion and did not. He did this KNOWING Thrash & Patten were already out of the game. The light savings may give him one more year as a 4th or 5th wide receiver, but after that he is gone. Maybe we should give his roster spot to a Jimmy Farris type who is cheaper in the long run and will try harder in the short run.

Next week I will look at the Redskin Free agents and make my call on who we should resign and who we should let go their way.

Vision Quest: Bring on Seattle!!!

The Redskins barely escaped with their playoff lives on Saturday and live to fight another day. The media and much of the NFL are in a virtual frenzy focusing on the lack of production by our offense, a measly 125 yards. Or they are focused on the phantom spit of Sean Taylor and the resulting 17K fine. And if those two things did not garner their attention they most likely were finding ways to coronate the Seahawks and wonder if they can beat any team in the AFC.

Not so fast there guys, the Redskins are coming to town.

For the life of me I can’t understand why the Redskins are not getting more respect for the upcoming game. I will grant you that one of the reasons is the nature of our win in Tampa. It was Ugly. “U-G-L-Y you ain’t got no alibi your ugly” ugly. The game was so ugly; Mike Tice was watching the game and said “Damn that was Ugly. Hey Smoot you still glad you came to Minnesota?” Fred just swore at him and went to the harbor, but before he left he eluded the deputies assigned to monitor him by clever use of a twig and a Viking’s helmet.

(Speaking of Ugly did you see the NY Giants loss to Carolina? Now that was ugly. Don’t get me wrong, Eli Manning is going to be a very good quarterback, someday. That day though was not on Sunday. What an implosion to close a season. Remember they should have lost that game to Oakland if Norv wasn’t coaching the other team. Combine that with the loss to us and to Carolina and you have a massive slide at the end of the season. Coaching is to blame for the slide for sure, but the players are to blame for giving up 300+ yards rushing to Carolina’s 2 BACKUP running backs.)

On one hand you can’t blame the self-appointed authorities in the media. The Seahawks are a very good team. They have the league MVP in Shawn Alexander who broke the league record for rushing TDs and led the league in rushing yards. They have an improved passing attack and a mature quarterback in Matt Hasslebeck. They finished the season by winning 11 of their last 12 as well as going a perfect 8-0 at home. In fact after the Redskins beat them this year they went and rattled off 11 straight victories only losing a meaningless game against Green Bay.

However the pundits are ignoring one single fact: we did beat them already this year.

They excuse that win of course with every reason they can think of. It was only week 4 of the season. The FG attempt hit the upright. The Seahawks are a better team now. The Seahawks have 13 wins, tied for best in the NFL and best in the NFC. The Redskins have no offense. The first game was at Fed Ex while this on is at the Seahawks home that they are 8-0 at. The Redskins are banged up and their streak must end. Seattle is rested and the Redskins are hurt.

If I wanted to write an article battling each one of these arguments, I could. I could point out that though it was just week 4 of the season every game is important. I could point out that the only way the Seahawks got to attempt to that last FG was because of a fluke off interception that bounced off of Portis’ hands. I could point out that the Redskins are a better team as well, and last time played Seattle without Lavar and Sean Taylor went down early to injury. I could point out that the 13 wins that the Seahawks are so proud of 9 of those games came against teams the Redskins have also beaten (St. Louis twice, San Fran twice, Arizona twice, NY Giants, Philadelphia, & Dallas).

In fact the only teams with a winning record that Seattle has beaten are Dallas who did not make the playoffs, the NY Giants who got beaten badly in the playoffs, and the Indianapolis Colts who were barely playing their 2nd stringers let alone 1st stringers. I could point out that the home field advantage meant nothing in the first round of the playoffs, ask the Giants. I could point out that the Redskin offense played against the #1 defense in the league and the offense has bounced back from miserable performances all year long to put up a large amount of points the next week. Lastly, I could point out that the Seahawks have not played a meaningful game against a talented opponent in almost two months while the Redskins have been in playoff mode during the same amount of time.

I could do all that but why bother. The league and the media will continually underestimate this team I have come to love and care about. No one gave us a chance against St. Louis, but we won. While we were the favorite in AZ, the media all lined up behind the Cowboys the following week. They were sure that is where the streak would end. But after we scalped them 35-7 they were then sure that the Skins would fall to the Eli and the Giants. After we smacked them around many still thought we would let down and lose in Philadelphia with the playoffs on the line. Then they were sure we would fall to Tampa Bay as we were lucky to even get into the playoffs.

For 6 games now the Redskins have fought hard in their quest to extend their season. They have left it all on the field of play, quite literally. Each of the wins has exacted a price. The Arizona game saw the end of the season for Robert Johnson, a young up and coming TE. Carlos Rogers hurt himself playing in Arizona causing him to miss the rest of then regular season. In the Dallas game our best offensive lineman Randy Thomas broke his leg, ending his season. The NY Giants came to town and Chris Clemons, our best 3rd down rusher, sprained his knee also ending his season. .In Philadelphia Shawn Springs re-injured his groin and missed the Tampa game. Lastly in Tampa, Renaldo Wynn, a force against the run, broke his arm ending his season.

But in each case someone stepped in to fill the void. Robert Royal had some of the best games of the year down the stretch making up for the lack of depth at TE. Walt Harris stopped playing 15 yard cushions and arm tackling and turned into a dependable corner when Rogers went down. Ancient Ray Brown has stepped in and helped pound the ball while Thomas cheers from the sideline. Phillip Daniels has turned into a sack machine now that Clemons is not able to come in for him. Carlos Rogers came back just in time and played the game of his life against Tampa Bay while Springs was out. Demetric Evans came in and had solid run support in the loss of Renaldo Wynn.


I said all season long that this is the first real team the Redskins have seen since Gibbs 1.0. And evidence of it is starting to show. After the Tampa and Philadelphia wins the players sought out Coach Gibbs to congratulate him. Fans spontaneously showed up at Fed Ex field at 3 in the morning to welcome the team back from its victory and players like Lavar Arrington stayed late to sign the autographs and give high fives to the jubilant crowd. No excuses are made and no fingers are pointed. If the Defense needs to win a game, they will. If we need a little more offense to get it done, we do that as well.

This sense of team can only come from the top down. Joe Gibbs has brought the best out of everyone, including owner Dan Snyder. When Renaldo Wynn went down with the broken arm he stayed in the Tampa locker room to watch the end of the Buccaneers game. After the game was over Dan Snyder’s wife, Tanya, escorted Wynn to a Tampa hospital to get it repaired immediately. Not finding a surgeon in Tampa qualified enough to do the surgery she called her husband. Dan arranged for Wynn, him, and his wife to use Redskin One, Dan’s private jet, and fly back to DC where his wife once again escorted him to the hospital and stayed for the surgery.

This team has faced adversity at every turn. And now they have to travel halfway across the country to play the number one team in the league. They must face down the league MVP and are a nine point underdog according to Vegas. No pundit is saying we can win this game. No one believes in this team.

Except for us, the Redskin Faithful. Except for the players, who want to win more then they need respect. And except for Joe Gibbs, who is chasing immortality.

And that is all the Redskins need.

Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: Vindication

There is a strange odor in the air today. It’s vaguely familiar as if in a dream. Christmas is over 8 days old so it can’t be the smell of cookies baking or wrapping paper and tape. It’s a full day into the New Year, so the smell of champagne is gone from my clothes. So what is that smell that makes me so happy? A smell that makes me walk a little prouder today wherever I go. A smell that makes me reminisce in days gone by and fortunes past.

The smell is Vindication.

Suddenly the last 13 years of frustration don’t seem that heavy anymore. Suddenly I am trying to find ways to wear my Redskin gear to my white-collar job. When I see a fellow fan on the street or in the mall wearing Redskin gear I smile and give a hi-five. There is a spring in my step and a gleam in my eye.

The Redskins are going to the playoffs.

And it is vindication for all of us fans. This time of year we are usually putting our Redskins stuff away and reconnecting with the family. We play fantasy GM, discussing who the Redskins should cut and whom they should sign. We scour the college players and debate who the next Dexter Manley is and who is the next Heath Schuler. We circle the April draft day on the calendar and plan the Redskin’s rise back to glory.

Not this January, not yet anyways.

No more other fans making fun of our Redskin gear. No more averting our eyes and laughing saying wait till next year. Not this year. Our vindication has come. Vindication for years of faithfully following our squad. Vindication for wandering through a 12-year desert of futility. Vindication for surviving the Pettibone year of destruction. Vindication for staying true during Norv Turner’s seven years of bad luck. Vindication for attending Marty Schottenheimer’s family reunion. And, finally, vindication for amateur hour with the Old Ball Coach.

Vindication never smelled so good.

Mark Brunell smells it as well. Everyone, including yours truly, gave him up for good. Many of us felt he was a questionable trade when we already had a decent quarterback in a young Patrick Ramsey in 2004. And after a horrendous year we all confirmed our suspicions and even Joe Gibbs anointed Patrick the starter for 2005. Then we rolled our eyes when he came in against Chicago until he opened our eyes against Dallas. Turns out the old man has a little left in the tank after all. Who knew? Joe Gibbs knew. He said in the off season that Brunell’s last chapter had not been written yet. He was right and what a chapter it is. His accurate arm, good decision making, and nimble legs has not just been a good manager of the offense, he has outright won games for us as well.

Clinton Portis’ nostrils are flaring as well. When he was acquired 2 years ago the NFL experts all said he was wrong for Joe Gibbs style of football. He was too small, not tough enough, not healthy enough, and not smart enough to justify trading an All-pro Cornerback like Champ Bailey and a 2nd round draft pick for. Even after amassing over 1300 yards in his first season with the Redskins the speculation was rampant that Portis had lost a step and could not pound out the tough yards. Portis showed his colors this year. He put up 1516 yards rushing, a franchise record. That’s right he eclipsed Stephen Davis’ record and bettered all other Redskin running backs with names like Byner, Rogers, and even Riggins. He also has 11 rushing TDs and 30 catches for 216 yards as well. Not to mention he is one of the best blocking running backs in the league, constantly giving 8up his 5’11” frame to protect our QB. Clinton Portis has put together one of the best seasons ever handed in by a Redskin running back.

Santana Moss can take a whiff. When the Redskins traded Laveraneus “The Toe” Coles for him everyone thought Joe Gibbs had lost his mind. Do we really need to look at the numbers? No we don’t, but it sure is fun. Santana Moss has 84 catches amassing 1483 yards for a 17.7 avg. and 9 TDS. Coles has 73 catches totaling 845 yards for an 11.6 avg. and 5 TDs. Simple domination, but it goes deeper then that. Santana had 24 catches over 20 yards, 10 of which was over 40 yards; Coles had 6 catches over 20 with only 1 over 40. Santana had 60 catches for a first down compared to Coles’ 52. Santana’s 1,483 yards and 9 TDs are better then any year Coles has ever had with any team. One last thing, like Portis, Moss set a franchise record for 1,483 yards surpassing receivers with names like Ellard, Clark, Monk, and Charlie Brown. Coles is the single most dangerous weapon on the team and can take any pass, even a 2 yard flanker screen, to the house.

Lemar Marshall? You can bet he smells it as well. At the beginning of the season there was real doubt about whether this skinny former safety can fill in at MLB in a 4-3 system. Marshall did nothing but make the correct calls all season long. Not only that, he amassed a team leading 98 tackles with 19 assists. He also led the team in interceptions with 4. He threw in 2 sacks and a forced fumble to boot. But his stats are not as important as what he did at the end of the year. In the last two games of the season, with the playoffs on the line, Marshall made stunning interceptions that helped seal victories. Against the Giants he took a pass away from Jeremy Shockey to set up a key touchdown and against Philadelphia he skied to grab an interception that set up the go ahead touchdown. Marshall has found a home in DC and will most likely get very rich here next year.

Our Coach smells the vindication. Every media pundit, every so called expert, every loud mouth with a microphone called Joe Gibbs over the hill, washed up, done for. Joe Gibbs, the best coach in Redskin history and the only current coach with a bust in Canton, was being questioned by everyone. Everyone but us. Sure many of us questioned some of his moves, but the true Redskin fans knew in the heart he would bring us back to respectability. And he has. From 6-10 last year to 10-6 this year, how many coaches can do that? A team of miscast losers and pretenders has been transformed into a team that wins games when they need to. That, my friends, is all Joe Jackson Gibbs. He orchestrated the Portis for Bailey trade, he initiated the Moss for Coles trade, he believed Gregg Williams faith in Lemar and opted to not resign Pierce.

And the whole team can breathe in that sweet aroma as well. At the start of the season they were written off, with Dr. Z of sports illustrated going as far as saying they would be 4-12 and coachless at the end of the season. Dr. Z was by no means the only one as almost everyone predicted our 5th straight non-winning season. Then after we were 3-0 there were still doubters calling them the worst 3-0 team in history. After playing tough in KC and Denver and then coming home and whipping San Fran like the bastard child of the NFC that they are many hanger-ons started to come out of the woodwork. Suddenly there are a lot more Redskin fans at the sports bar.

What followed was that embarrassing loss at the Giants. The doubters all said “See I told you they were no good.” Then the Redskins rebounded though and hung on to win at Fed Ex against Philadelphia. This held the Doubters at bay for a bit. Then came that game at Tampa where everything went wrong, and Oakland where we did everything wrong, and San Diego where LT could do no wrong. At 5-6 the harpies were everywhere singing our demise.

I have a slip of paper from a Chinese Fortune Cookie taped to my monitor at work that I think is my credo in life. It reads “The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do”. I believe that to be very true. This team should be taking great pleasure right now. Everyone said that winning 5 games and making the playoffs was impossible, everyone not wearing the burgundy and Gold on Sundays that is. This team rose up and did the impossible by winning those 5 games. Three of which were in the NFC east; sweeping the Cowboys for the first time in 10 years, avenging our earlier loss to the Giants and completing the sweep against Philadelphia for the first time since 1988. Not to mention 3 of the games also happened to be on the road.

I am not saying I am satisfied with only a playoff appearance. I want more, much more. Especially against Tampa. Right now though everything else is whip cream on our cappuccino of success. I like our chances though. The Redskins posted a 10-2 NFC record, tied for best in the conference with Seattle and Chicago, two teams we both beat by the way. We split with the Giants this year but we got the last one and are a different team all together from the one that lost in the Meadowlands. We didn’t play Carolina in the regular season, and no the preseason games does not count. Sure we lost to Tampa but after playing one of our worst defensive games of the season, missing key players like Sean Taylor and Cornelius Griffin, and they still needed a bogus 2 point conversion call to do it. I think the Redskins wanted this Tampa match up, and so do I.

I have contended all year Tampa is a fraud just stop Williams and double Galloway and they aren’t going anywhere. The Redskins though are going to take the playoffs one game at a time. Just like they did the last 5. You have to know though that they are burning down deep and have a little more vindication to exact from a league that has treated them so badly. What better place then Tampa? Home of the Redskins only Super Bowl defeat. Home of the last time the Redskins lost in the playoffs in 1999.

Time to go Pirate hunting.

Gregg Williams to stay in DC!!!

As I was finishing this article the news of Gregg Williams' contract extension flashed over hR and the wire. With the media speculating that GW is the first assistant coach in the league to get calls from about 10 NFL teams looking to fill their vacant or soon to be vacant Head Coaching spot, it seemed as if GW was looking at his last year in Burgundy & Gold.

Not to me though. I always thought GW was being groomed for Gibbs job and this confirms it. It makes perfect sense as well. In Gibbs first tenure he watched what happened after he left the franchise and knows that he must find a real transition plan. Remember Gibbs is also Team President as well as head Coach. A role I believe that he will keep when his coaching days are done. Having a hand picked successor will be the best way to assure continuity and keeping the best defensive mind in the game is by your side as you finish up your head coaching days and strive for one more Lombardi trophy.

GW has said he wants to be a head coach again someday but he has also raved about the DC area and his relationship with Joe Gibbs and Daniel Snyder. Big props to Daniel Snyder for essentially doubling GW’s salary and giving him a 3 year extension. It is my belief Joe Gibbs will either serve out the full term of his five year contract, which just so happens to end 3 years from now, or retire early after winning a Super Bowl. Then Gregg Williams will be there to take over the reigns.

It is a wonderful piece of news during a wonderful week. You can bet the defense will be flying all over the field on Saturday excited at the news. Snyder, Gibbs, and Williams are shaping a top flight organization and we as fans will benefit from this as a result.

Hail Redskins!!!!!

Updated Playoff Possibilities 1-1-06

Ok After the Raiders no show against the Giants this Sunday (4 plays from the 1n and you don’t throw to Moss even once? WTF Norv? And you use all your timeouts doing it? Get that resume printed on the work machine Monday because Tuesday you are out of a job.) the playoff possibilities are now winding down. The top 4 seeds of the NFC playoff are set, and they are:

1.) Seattle
2.) Chicago
3.) NFC South winner or Giants
4.) NY Giants or NFC South Winner

OK they are not quite set. 3&4 could possibly switch around. Tampa holds the tie breaker over NY if they win by Strength of Victory, NY holds the tiebreaker over Carolina for the same Strength of Victory. There are four games left that will determine the NFC seedings. They are Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans, Carolina at Atlanta, Washington at Philadelphia, and Dallas vs. St. Louis. Tampa, Carolina, Washington, and Dallas are vying for three playoff spots, the two wildcard spots and the NFC South crown.

Here are the permutations as best I can figure them out:

IF Tampa Bay beats New Orleans, Carolina beats Atlanta, & Washington beats Philadelphia, then the Dallas vs. St. Louis out come does not matter. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #3 seed, the NY Giants will be the #4 seed, Carolina will be the #5 seed, and Washington will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Redskins and NY will host the Panthers.

IF Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans, Carolina beats Atlanta, Washington beats Philadelphia, then the Dallas vs. St. Louis out come does not matter. Carolina will win the NFC South and be the #4 seed, the NY Giants will be the #3 seed, Tampa Bay will be the #5 seed, and Washington will be the #6 seed. Carolina will host the Buccaneers and NY will host the Redskins.

IF Tampa Bay beats New Orleans, Carolina loses to Atlanta, Washington beats Philadelphia, & Dallas beats St. Louis. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #3 seed, the NY Giants will be the #4 seed, Washington will be the #5 seed, and Dallas will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Cowboys and NY will host the Redskins.

IF Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans, Carolina loses to Atlanta, Washington beats Philadelphia, & Dallas beats St. Louis. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #4 seed, the NY Giants will be the #3 seed, Washington will be the #5 seed, and Dallas will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Redskins and NY will host the Cowboys.

IF Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans, Carolina loses to Atlanta, Washington beats Philadelphia, & Dallas loses to St. Louis. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #4 seed, the NY Giants will be the #3 seed, Washington will be the #5 seed, and Carolina will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Redskins and NY will host the Panthers.

IF Tampa Bay beats New Orleans, Carolina loses to Atlanta, Washington beats Philadelphia, & Dallas loses to St. Louis. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #3 seed, the NY Giants will be the #4 seed, Washington will be the #5 seed, and Carolina will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Panthers and NY will host the Redskins.

IF Tampa Bay beats New Orleans, Carolina beats Atlanta, Washington loses to Philadelphia, & Dallas loses to St. Louis. Tampa will win the NFC South and be the #3 seed, the NY Giants will be the #4 seed, Carolina will be the #5 seed, and Washington will be the #6 seed. Tampa will host the Redskins and NY will host the Panthers.

IF Tampa Bay beats New Orleans, Carolina beats Atlanta, Washington loses to Philadelphia, & Dallas beats St. Louis. The Redskins will then be out of the playoffs. There are several permutations for seedings here but really if the Redskins are out of the playoffs who gives a ****Censored by Spence****.

There it is ladies and Gentlemen. What it comes down to though is winning today in Philadelphia. The only way we get knocked out of the playoffs is if we lose and Dallas wins. Dallas is playing a pretty crappy St. Louis team, so if we want a chance it all comes down to Philly.