SmootSmack
06-09-2010, 11:24 PM
Thanks again to former Redskin Safety Matt Bowen for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer many of our questions. I know some of you didn't get your questions answered below. We'll look to talk with him again at the end of training camp and get some more of your questions answered.
The Front Office
1. Do you think Shanahan and Allen will be able to co-exist, what are your thoughts on the new culture in Redskins Park?
I like to think that the main point here is that Mr. Snyder allows Shanny and Allen to work. There needs to be a chain of command where the coach, GM and owner all can relate to each other and make a decision that is best for the team. If Mr. Snyder can do this, then he can start building a winner on the field.
2. Aside from the head coach, and offensive and defensive coordinators who do you think was the best addition to the coaching staff? Who's our biggest loss?
The best addition was keeping Steve Jackson, K.O. and Danny Smith. There needs to be a period of transition when a new staff comes into the building, and keeping those three coaches will allow these players to have a better comfort level moving forward. And, with Danny, he is responsible for the better part of the locker room with special teams.[ Biggest loss: I am biased, but I do see Greg Blache as one of the most under rated coaches in the NFL. Would have loved to see him stay on the staff.
3. Were you surprised that the front office wasn't as aggressive this off-season as many people expected they would? Or did the front office handle free agency just right?
From my point of view, the free agent market was down this season due to the uncapped year and the amount of RFAs. No need to overpay for average talent. There was no need to chase anyone.
4. What were your thoughts on the draft?
I could have seen the 'Skins go with safety Eric Berry at No.4. Didn't see Bradford as an option as the price to trade up would have been too steep. But, going O-Line was safe and the best for the franchise. I was higher on Okung than Williams, but until we see these two play a full season in the pros, it is just that--opinion.
5. What did you think of the McNabb acquisition?
McNabb move was huge for this team and the fan base. A proven winner and a "franchise level" player. The offense will be more prepared and McNabb will make plays in crucial situations. That is why you bring him in.
6. What was the best move the Redskins made this off-season?
McNabb again. When you have a chance to upgrade the QB position at this level, it has to be done.
7. The Redskins in recent years have had a reputation for rewarding players who were simply looking to get paid. Do you feel that's an accurate assessment and has that changed?
Dan has often given away too much, but it has to change. The Skins need to be more selective in handing out extensions and protecting the future of this team.
Questions about the Defense
1. How long does it take for players to adjust to being in a 3-4 after playing in a 4-3?
It takes time to learn a new scheme. When Gregg Williams came in, it took a lot of meeting time, walk-thrus and practice time to just get the understanding of how the techniques of the defense was played. That is why the off-season is so critical when a coaching change takes place
2. What is Haslett's reputation around the league?
I have always heard that Coach Haslett is demanding and expects his players to play and act like pros. The type of coach that I would want to play for--and play hard for. It is rewarding.
3. What, if anything do you expect from a Shanahan coached team on the defensive side of the ball? It seems he's had a reputation for being impatient with his defensive coordinators in the past?
Well, if you want to win football games in the NFC East, you have to play defense. The Skins O-Line has some work to do, and because of that the defense needs to force turnovers and give McNabb a short field to work with. Shanny will appreciate that.
4. Who is the most important assistant coach on Haslett's side of the ball, and why?
Steve Jackson. The secondary in today's game--with the amount of pressure that teams bring--is essential to the success of the unit. The DBs have to make plays on the football and limit the amount of explosive plays down the field.
5. What primary scheme do you think our 'hybrid(3-4)' defense will run with the DL 1-gap or 2-gap? Assuming Haynesworth plays DE in our 3-4 front, schematically could he be a 1-gap penetrator? Even while the other DL (NT and LDE) 2-gap?
Haynesworth is talented enough to align anywhere along the D-Line and make plays. At the Nose, over the Tackle, it doesn't matter. This guy can play--and now he just needs to start acting like a pro.
Inside the Locker Room
1. As a player in the locker room how do players react to something like the Haynesworth situation. We often hear players say they just deal with what's going on at the park, and let the business side take care of itself. But is that really the case? Will he be easily welcomed back when he shows up for practice?
If Haynesworth can walk on that field in camp and know his responsibilities, then it is a dead story. But, if he is behind, makes mistakes and can't figure out the playbook, then it is a real issue. He has missed the entire install of the defense this spring, and it is his responsibility to show up in shape and ready to play. Players will let the biz side of things go, but when it effects what is happening in the huddle and on the field, then he will hear about from the leaders of the team.
2. Do you think Roger Goodell is wielding too much power with his personal conduct policy? As a former player do you agree that current players have an added responsibility to uphold the integrity of the NFL seal?
It depends on the situation to be honest. But, this is a profession. Would you still be able to teach, work in an office, etc if you were in trouble with the police, etc? Doubt it.
3. What makes a good teammate?
Act like a pro. Know the system, play hard and play to win--not for the cash. The NFL is different than college ball because money is involved, but the idea is the same. Play the game and prepare for the game the right way.
4. Tell us about the importance of strength and conditioning coaches. What sort of impact our new strength coaches will have?
The weight room is huge for the NFL. Beyond the fact that it prepares you for the season, it helps in injury prevention and allowing you to stay on the field. You have to take care of your body...something vets know and rookies will quickly learn come Week 12.
5. Tell us about what it felt like to be drafted and the first time you stepped on the practice field in an NFL uniform.
I was drafted No.198 (Tom Brady was No. 199) in the 2000 draft. Great feeling--like winning the lottery. First time I walked on the practice field all I wanted to do was play hard, stay out of the vets way and keep my mouth shut. Rookies need to watch the Vets and start talking when they start making plays in a regular season game. That's it.
The Front Office
1. Do you think Shanahan and Allen will be able to co-exist, what are your thoughts on the new culture in Redskins Park?
I like to think that the main point here is that Mr. Snyder allows Shanny and Allen to work. There needs to be a chain of command where the coach, GM and owner all can relate to each other and make a decision that is best for the team. If Mr. Snyder can do this, then he can start building a winner on the field.
2. Aside from the head coach, and offensive and defensive coordinators who do you think was the best addition to the coaching staff? Who's our biggest loss?
The best addition was keeping Steve Jackson, K.O. and Danny Smith. There needs to be a period of transition when a new staff comes into the building, and keeping those three coaches will allow these players to have a better comfort level moving forward. And, with Danny, he is responsible for the better part of the locker room with special teams.[ Biggest loss: I am biased, but I do see Greg Blache as one of the most under rated coaches in the NFL. Would have loved to see him stay on the staff.
3. Were you surprised that the front office wasn't as aggressive this off-season as many people expected they would? Or did the front office handle free agency just right?
From my point of view, the free agent market was down this season due to the uncapped year and the amount of RFAs. No need to overpay for average talent. There was no need to chase anyone.
4. What were your thoughts on the draft?
I could have seen the 'Skins go with safety Eric Berry at No.4. Didn't see Bradford as an option as the price to trade up would have been too steep. But, going O-Line was safe and the best for the franchise. I was higher on Okung than Williams, but until we see these two play a full season in the pros, it is just that--opinion.
5. What did you think of the McNabb acquisition?
McNabb move was huge for this team and the fan base. A proven winner and a "franchise level" player. The offense will be more prepared and McNabb will make plays in crucial situations. That is why you bring him in.
6. What was the best move the Redskins made this off-season?
McNabb again. When you have a chance to upgrade the QB position at this level, it has to be done.
7. The Redskins in recent years have had a reputation for rewarding players who were simply looking to get paid. Do you feel that's an accurate assessment and has that changed?
Dan has often given away too much, but it has to change. The Skins need to be more selective in handing out extensions and protecting the future of this team.
Questions about the Defense
1. How long does it take for players to adjust to being in a 3-4 after playing in a 4-3?
It takes time to learn a new scheme. When Gregg Williams came in, it took a lot of meeting time, walk-thrus and practice time to just get the understanding of how the techniques of the defense was played. That is why the off-season is so critical when a coaching change takes place
2. What is Haslett's reputation around the league?
I have always heard that Coach Haslett is demanding and expects his players to play and act like pros. The type of coach that I would want to play for--and play hard for. It is rewarding.
3. What, if anything do you expect from a Shanahan coached team on the defensive side of the ball? It seems he's had a reputation for being impatient with his defensive coordinators in the past?
Well, if you want to win football games in the NFC East, you have to play defense. The Skins O-Line has some work to do, and because of that the defense needs to force turnovers and give McNabb a short field to work with. Shanny will appreciate that.
4. Who is the most important assistant coach on Haslett's side of the ball, and why?
Steve Jackson. The secondary in today's game--with the amount of pressure that teams bring--is essential to the success of the unit. The DBs have to make plays on the football and limit the amount of explosive plays down the field.
5. What primary scheme do you think our 'hybrid(3-4)' defense will run with the DL 1-gap or 2-gap? Assuming Haynesworth plays DE in our 3-4 front, schematically could he be a 1-gap penetrator? Even while the other DL (NT and LDE) 2-gap?
Haynesworth is talented enough to align anywhere along the D-Line and make plays. At the Nose, over the Tackle, it doesn't matter. This guy can play--and now he just needs to start acting like a pro.
Inside the Locker Room
1. As a player in the locker room how do players react to something like the Haynesworth situation. We often hear players say they just deal with what's going on at the park, and let the business side take care of itself. But is that really the case? Will he be easily welcomed back when he shows up for practice?
If Haynesworth can walk on that field in camp and know his responsibilities, then it is a dead story. But, if he is behind, makes mistakes and can't figure out the playbook, then it is a real issue. He has missed the entire install of the defense this spring, and it is his responsibility to show up in shape and ready to play. Players will let the biz side of things go, but when it effects what is happening in the huddle and on the field, then he will hear about from the leaders of the team.
2. Do you think Roger Goodell is wielding too much power with his personal conduct policy? As a former player do you agree that current players have an added responsibility to uphold the integrity of the NFL seal?
It depends on the situation to be honest. But, this is a profession. Would you still be able to teach, work in an office, etc if you were in trouble with the police, etc? Doubt it.
3. What makes a good teammate?
Act like a pro. Know the system, play hard and play to win--not for the cash. The NFL is different than college ball because money is involved, but the idea is the same. Play the game and prepare for the game the right way.
4. Tell us about the importance of strength and conditioning coaches. What sort of impact our new strength coaches will have?
The weight room is huge for the NFL. Beyond the fact that it prepares you for the season, it helps in injury prevention and allowing you to stay on the field. You have to take care of your body...something vets know and rookies will quickly learn come Week 12.
5. Tell us about what it felt like to be drafted and the first time you stepped on the practice field in an NFL uniform.
I was drafted No.198 (Tom Brady was No. 199) in the 2000 draft. Great feeling--like winning the lottery. First time I walked on the practice field all I wanted to do was play hard, stay out of the vets way and keep my mouth shut. Rookies need to watch the Vets and start talking when they start making plays in a regular season game. That's it.