Mathematical Elimination from the Playoffs...

I'm pretty positive that being in playoffs puts you behind everyone who didn't in the draft... other than that, I'd guess we'd be around 17-18 maybe if we win next week?

That's probably as late as possible. There are a bunch of other teams with a chance at 9-7 records. We'd probably draft before most of them.

Build the Oline. Get younger on Defense. I know this will probably mean a little rebuilding but we have to start sometime. We are the oldest team in the league. I think that has something to do with our falling flat on our faces in the second half of the season. To think 6-2 eight weeks ago really hurts. This season started with so much progress and I think we saw the oline get old quick. I am still not sold on JC. I want him to be the guy, but he still struggles. He really seems to lock on one or two guys and thats about it. I know he doesn't have much time but he doesnt step up in the pocket quick enough either. Yes he can make plays with his leggs at times, but he also seem flat as well. I can't see giving him abother contract yet.

Re-Sign D. Hall. Re-sign Rodgers. Washington, Springs, Daniels, Randle El, Thrash, Maybe Rock, Todd Collins??, I think it is time to change some of these players.

That's probably as late as possible. There are a bunch of other teams with a chance at 9-7 records. We'd probably draft before most of them.

Well... remember, if we all had finished w/ the same record, (us, Dallas, Tampa, Atlanta) we would have made playoffs due to our conference record.

I think we pick after those that don't make playoffs.... but you have to consider 12 teams make playoffs, so the latest we'd draft is 20th. Then factor one of the AFC East teams finishing better than us and not making playoffs... but other than that that, I'm not sure, so I'd say 17-18.

Well... remember, if we all had finished w/ the same record, (us, Dallas, Tampa, Atlanta) we would have made playoffs due to our conference record.

I think we pick after those that don't make playoffs.... but you have to consider 12 teams make playoffs, so the latest we'd draft is 20th. Then factor one of the AFC East teams finishing better than us and not making playoffs... but other than that that, I'm not sure, so I'd say 17-18.

I was thinking degree of difficulty in playing the NFC East and AFC North might play something into it.

Plus, I think Dallas must have a better record than us somewhere, since both of us could end up 9-7, and yet they're in a position to make the playoffs after we're eliminated.

And Fred Davis as well, who Zorn called the most improved player on the offense according to Troy Aikman. I only saw part of the win over Philly - was Malcolm Kelly even active today?

Kelly wasn't active today.

All good points. Building the o-line should be manageable in that we don't really need to "rebuild" anywhere else on the team. We got a early Christmas present in Hall, especially since he wants to be a Redskin. Taylor's openness about not expecting another huge payday could be a good omen too. I'm thinking 3 to 4 solid additions to the o-line - def starting center and RT - along w/ a playmaker at DT (probably where we want to spend some FA money) and another competitive LB, and we'll be in decent shape personnel wise. Zorn has his work cut out for him more than anything.

I sort of figured this thread would gravitate toward discussion of who's staying and who's going. Personally, I think we keep Marcus (and I really hope so) because we're gonna need the depth at LB and we're just a better d w/ him on the field. Griff is gone if we get a real playmaker at DT, otherwise I bet he sticks around. Jansen is a keeper mostly because of the contract implications and his possible move to the inside. Springs is gone IMHO. He isn't going to budge one inch on anything... it's obvious in his comments.
Good points and I agree Goat. The adjustments in personel are attainable. I would like to see us close out the season with a win and some progression from our rookies in this last game. Hopefully we can build on that in the offseason. The "O" looks kinda sad right now but Davis and Thomas's play today were encouraging. I think Zorn is smart enough to realize a lot of work needs to be done and it would'nt surprise me for him to go to Holmgren for some advice. We're not the Lions. We've actually won some games against tough opponents. Our problem has been consistency. With a few additions and the offseason to work on the offense, I think we can get things rolling next year. I expect some adjustments on the staff also. It's hard to believe that Zorn is the only WCO guy on the staff. None of our problems are insurmountable.

If we finish 9-7 the season isn't a total loss but we need to make a legit stride next year. We have hovered around mediocre for the last 5 years.

I do think todays win saved Zorn's job for sure (if it was ever in jeopardy)

Pretty much what I was thinking after the win.

9-7, or even 8-8 with a first-time coach who found his team hurt GREATLY by injuries (O-Line, defense, the draft picks, Portis played hurt all season...) and also plays in the toughest division in football where all teams will finish the year over .500 is nothing to complain about.

I believe Zorn learned a lot and will build upon it next season. I'm not complaining. Sure, after starting 6-2, it's a little disappointing to miss the postseason, but we've still exceeded most expectations from the beginning of the season.

we traded that second pick for jason taylor how many picks do we have next year?

We need a good offensive coordinator. Zorn's playcalling was predictable.