Are you buying into the Shanaplan?

I've bought into the 2012 Redskins. I'm not going to pretend that I had some great faith that the season wasn't over at 3-6. I had assumed it was. Mike Shanahan and co have changed my mind on the direction of the season. I believe they are going to finish as NFC East champs.

Long term, I mean its Griffin's show here. Sunday was cool and all, but long term it's going to be difficult to sustain that offense without more of a burden on the quarterback. I think he can handle it. I'm not sure he isn't the MVP of the league this year.

I think your wrong here or either poor word choice. I dont think its a burden to ask a guy to do more, who has already asked to do more. I think the question of MVP was answered last weekend, a resounding NO. The team is better, no question. Not only in coaching, but in talent. I think you look to players like Pauleson, Morris, Darrell Young, Rob Jackson, Riley, Coefield, Hankerson(shakey when I type that) and Garcon as proof. I also think the concept of chemistry and leadership, yes intangibles you probably hate, is playing a larger role. Chester and Monty are fully comfortable now in ZBS as an example and obviously RG3 is providing the leadership. Gotta give Shanny and Bruce credit.

What stat is telling of successful Shanny teams in the past? The same answer to which NFL team leads the league in rushing? Washington Redskins. The burden is not on RG3, but running the ball effectively.

I think your wrong here or either poor word choice. I dont think its a burden to ask a guy to do more, who has already asked to do more. I think the question of MVP was answered last weekend, a resounding NO. The team is better, no question. Not only in coaching, but in talent. I think you look to players like Pauleson, Morris, Darrell Young, Rob Jackson, Riley, Coefield, Hankerson(shakey when I type that) and Garcon as proof. I also think the concept of chemistry and leadership, yes intangibles you probably hate, is playing a larger role. Chester and Monty are fully comfortable now in ZBS as an example and obviously RG3 is providing the leadership. Gotta give Shanny and Bruce credit.

What stat is telling of successful Shanny teams in the past? The same answer to which NFL team leads the league in rushing? Washington Redskins. The burden is not on RG3, but running the ball effectively.I think I just meant throwing more times. The offense already runs pretty exclusively through RG3.

Maybe the most interesting thing about Cousins is how Kyle went back to the Grossman pass-run balance. For whatever reason, the Redskins want to protect Griffin on third downs so that the defense cannot tee off on him, meaning they play fast pass on third and long. But with Cousins, they went back to what worked with Grossman and threw vertical.

Your hypothesis is rooted in the assumption that your evaluation of the last two years is correct. Perhaps the winning ways simply took a few new players and a little chemistry to finally come together.I lived through those two years on a week to week basis: if anything is going to convince me that I was wrong about those years, it sure isn't a narrative based on hindsight.

If I told you guys that talks are in advanced stages to keep Mike and Kyle around through 2015 (which is also the length of RG3's rookie deal)...would that affect your answer

If I told you guys that talks are in advanced stages to keep Mike and Kyle around through 2015 (which is also the length of RG3's rookie deal)...would that affect your answer

Is there a succession clause (head coach in waiting) in Kyle's deal?

I think I just meant throwing more times. The offense already runs pretty exclusively through RG3.

Maybe the most interesting thing about Cousins is how Kyle went back to the Grossman pass-run balance. For whatever reason, the Redskins want to protect Griffin on third downs so that the defense cannot tee off on him, meaning they play fast pass on third and long. But with Cousins, they went back to what worked with Grossman and threw vertical.

I go back to what SS said, Kyle proved himself last week.

I thought it was funny in the second half where Cousins ran RG3 quick play fake, throw slant play. I dont remember us wearing down a defense with the run game last week in awhile. By the middle of the 3rd quarter, cleveland defense was done mentally.

If I told you guys that talks are in advanced stages to keep Mike and Kyle around through 2015 (which is also the length of RG3's rookie deal)...would that affect your answer

id be very excited

Is there a succession clause (head coach in waiting) in Kyle's deal?

No idea

Also, it seems clear to me, that the locker room mentality has changed considerably in the last couple of years. Pre-Shanny, every report I have read describes favoritism running rampant - certain players having the owners ear or knowing they did not need to tow the line to start.

On the other hand, every report I have ever read, every player interview I have seen, and anything written by anyone with any insider knowledge has indicated that Shanny is all about fairness - 1st round, 5th round, UFA - you all have a shot and the one who shows the best plays. I have read interviews from players who lost their job or lost out in the competition saying "I had a fair shot and wasn't able to capitalize."

Team chemistry can be overrated when there isn't enough talent to compete. At the same time, to win on a sustained basis in this particular game requires both talent and a good working attitude. Over the last two years, we have increased our depth and talent levels, ("Awful team" Tripp? I respectfully disagree) and we have added a stud QB. Several UFA signings have provided solid players - Lichtenstieger, Monty, Chester, Wilson. Players being drafted appear to have both talent and the right attitude. Sometimes, building a roster with both the talent and attitude takes time to come together.

I just think that the Shanahan nay sayers are vastly underrating the Cerrato Stink factor. Seriously, how could anyone succeed with him in charge? Please - berating the coach in front of players, undercutting his authority at every turn, you couldn't win with the most talented team in the league under those situations. A couple of years ago, Doc Walker had Vinny on his radio show and made an off-the-cuff, but incredibly telling, remark while discussing the team under Shanny. Something along the lines of "You wouldn't understand it Vinny, they are just playing football, nothing flashy."

I think, contrary to Tripp's evaluation, that the team, even without Griffin, has the talent to succeed and was on its way to that last year. With him, it may become elite (I said "may"). Solving the QB issue was huge and creates the luxury afforded teams like NE and GB - player acquisition can be less need based. This frees up lots of resources to improve in a fundamental, depth-improving manner.

I think a big test will be when some of the younger players start playing through their contracts. Do we treat them fairly? Have we stopped ignoring unsung talent on the roster (R.Clark, A. Pierce as past examples) while we go hunting for the next big thing (A. Archuletta). If players play for us with the mentality that Shanny wants them to, will they be rewarded both on the field and in their wallet. Further, for those who do leave in search of greener pastures, will we be able to find their replacement on the roster?

If we can hold onto some good talent while replacing inevitable losses from within, THEN we will win consistently. To me, that will be the real test of Shanny's "five-year plan".

I'm somewhere in the middle of the majority of those who have bought in and wait in see in mode. Obviously, everyone is very pleased with the current results and winning streak, but let's not get too carried away. Shanahan hasn't put together Tom Coughlin type seasons here. Let's finish the season on a high note and see what we're made of over the stretch of a full 16 game season next year.

If you consider most of the past Super Bowl winners: The Giants, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers. The common thread is a franchise quarterback. Sure they have great supporting casts, great coaches, but this is by and large a quarterback driven league. To the extent that Robert continues to develop his game and steers clear of major injuries, I fully expect the Redskins to be in the playoff discussion going forward.

The more appropriate question right now, in my mind, has the franchise turned the corner? And the answer to that is emphatically, yes. I don't believe not drinking the Kool Aid makes you a skeptic or a crank or less passionate about the future of the team, it is what it is. There's an ebb and flow to winning. Teams get hot. Things come together at the right time and you're prepared to seize that moment. The truly great teams manage to overcome injuries, adversity, and setbacks and win games when they matter.

Have I bought into Shanaplan? For the here and now, yep.