No Such Thing as a Quick Fix

From a stability standpoint, let's look at the NFL standings (http://www.nfl.com/standings) for a second. Of the teams with a winning record, only one has a 1st year coach (Mora in Atlanta). Of the teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, only 3 have coaches that have been in their role for less than 3 years (Mora, DelRio & Schottenhiemer). So out of a 12 possible playoff teams, 3 have relatively new coaches, that's less than 25%. No team in the league has changed coaches as much in the past 10 years as the Redskins so we need stability more than anyone.

We need 3 things before we can even consider ourselves close to being a playoff contender.

1. Stability and above average play at the QB position. I think that is first and foremost. Hopefully Ramsey can establish that over the next 6 games, I think he is off to a decent start.

2. A defensive 'playmaker'. We need someone on the defense to step up and be our Ray Lewis, our Rodney Harrison, our Joey Porter (fighting excluded). We have a highly ranked defense, but we need that guy who will make the huge play when we need one. Hopefully Arrington and Taylor, who have not started together yet, will either share that role or one of them will step up.

3. A nasty disposition on the offensive line. Maybe it's me, but Samuels and Jansen seem like they're too much of finesse players to anchor our line and give it thier identity. As much as I hate them, Erik Williams and Larry Allen were just bad-@ss mutha-f*ckers that would take a 15 yard penalty sometimes to clock you in the grill just to let you know they were there. That's something we seem to lack on the o-line. I think that attitude sends a message of 'come at us if you have to, but I'm going to be beating that @ss all day long'. Teams have no fear of playing the Redskins, that's obvious. Someone needs to instill that fear.

I trust Gibbs will make things right and hopefully right the ship that Pettibon, Turner, Schottenheimer, Spurrier and most of all, Snyder have set off course.

I agree. We had chances to land lewis and schotty (both solid HCs), but blew it, now we got gibbs and it looks like LDS is finely gonna let things play out (he was even willing to give SS more time, provided he got qualified help though...)

I couldn't agree more Paintrain. We need to let the team jell together. Coaches and all. It just doesn't happen over night.

Good points, but I really don't think we need to see any of our offensive lineman getting stupid penalties between plays. That stuff drives me crazy. Look what penalties did on Sunday. Haven't we had enough of that?

Good points, but I really don't think we need to see any of our offensive lineman getting stupid penalties between plays. That stuff drives me crazy. Look what penalties did on Sunday. Haven't we had enough of that?
Yeah I agree.

You don't need to get stupid penalties to be aggressive and physical.

I'm quite happy with our tandem of Jansen and Samuels. I hope we can have them both 100% next year.

I agree Paintrain, but I have to disagree with what you said about Jansen. I think if anything Jansen is the heart and soul of not only our o-line, but our whole offense. He's a true Redskins for life. Now Samuels on the other hand has all the physical tools. He just lacks focus and consistency. If Samuels doesn't restructure his deal, then we might be either drafting or shopping for a new LT. Dockery still has room for improvement and with time, I think he'll step up. I wouldn't mind an upgrade at center. Raymer has been inconsistent, and Friedman is definitely not considered a "starting" center.

I agree Paintrain, but I have to disagree with what you said about Jansen. I think if anything Jansen is the heart and soul of not only our o-line, but our whole offense. He's a true Redskins for life. Now Samuels on the other hand has all the physical tools. He just lacks focus and consistency. If Samuels doesn't restructure his deal, then we might be either drafting or shopping for a new LT. Dockery still has room for improvement and with time, I think he'll step up. I wouldn't mind an upgrade at center. Raymer has been inconsistent, and Friedman is definitely not considered a "starting" center.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to get rid of Jansen and Samuels, I just think they are kinda soft. They are good at what they do, but they don't intimidate anyone. I'm just tired of seeing us getting pushed around all the time. I don't advocate penalties all the time or even every game, but when you faced Williams or Allen you knew you were in for a physical fight, a battle all game long.. Our linemen seem content to just 'redirect' defensive players rather than to knock their d*cks in the dirt like the old Hogs did. Someone needs to have a nasty attitude to set the tone for the line.

Good post Pain. I agree, but tend to disagree with the Jansen comment. Jansen is a tough player and will fit well in this system. He will be "Lacheyesque" by the end of next year.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to get rid of Jansen and Samuels, I just think they are kinda soft. They are good at what they do, but they don't intimidate anyone. I'm just tired of seeing us getting pushed around all the time. I don't advocate penalties all the time or even every game, but when you faced Williams or Allen you knew you were in for a physical fight, a battle all game long.. Our linemen seem content to just 'redirect' defensive players rather than to knock their d*cks in the dirt like the old Hogs did. Someone needs to have a nasty attitude to set the tone for the line.


I hear ya...

Great post, Pain. I think Jansen maybe has that attitude, and that's why losing him early was such a blow. He used to get so pissed when they weren't running the ball with Spurrier. BUt overall, your post is right on.