What's different about the skins this year?

There are many explanations for what has changed (including better game-planning, play-calling, sticking with the run, etc.) but the biggest intangible, in my opinion, has been the bunch of guys Gibbs has assembled. Gibbs-type guys.

Wynn (I couldn't stand this guy two years ago because he's such an average DE), Marcus Washington, Randy Thomas, Ryan Clark, Griffin, Salave'A, Sellers, Springs, Cooley, Portis, Jansen, Moss, Ray Brown, etc.....these are all consummate team guys. Sean Taylor - many might consider him a hot-head or immature, but even he is a consummate team player. Many consider Lavar to be a prima donna, but his handling of the lack of playing time, relations with the coaching staff, etc. could've been a lot worse than this. Last, but not least, the biggest example of teamsmanship (is that even a word?) this year has been Benny Ramsey.

I still remember Gibbs' introductory press conference in Jan 2004. One of the things he said that made an impression was "you win by surrounding yourself with good people." Clearly, he meant both coaching staff and personnel-wise. Playoffs, or no playoffs this year, I think Gibbs has turned us into a contender simply by assembling a bunch of character guys. Game-planning, play-calling, etc., while very important to a team's success, are second-order criteria. We had a miserable season last year, and its a testament to the character of our players that we weathered that storm and are now on the road to better things. Sorry to get all Jerry Mcguiresque on the forum, but thought it was important enough to recognize in a new thread.

When I interview candidates for intern/analyst type positions at work, I now find myself asking the question (in my head) - is this a Gibbs-type person?

Where do I send my resume?

Where do I send my resume?

gibbstypeguy@gibbstypeguys.com

I'm not sure that a lot has really changed with respect to the schemes, I think there were some minor tweaks and such, but certainly not drastic changes. The shotgun would probably be the most noticeable change.

I think the turnaround can be attributed to Gibbs' type players as mentioned above, the fact that the team has some stability now in their 2nd year with this staff... guys are comfortable and know what is expected of them, and we have done a nice job at filling the roster with guys who are better suited for what we're trying to do. Moss being the perfect example. We're still throwing the WR screen a ton this year, but the huge difference is Moss can make something happen where Coles couldn't.

Injuries were a factor too last year. The o-line without Jansen suffered albeit without a decent center like Rabach and our main WR wouldn't get the surgery he needed before last season so he couldn't utilize his natural speed. Brunell I think we can tell now was clearly hampered by something. His arm strength is simply at the next level this year plus he seems a little more mobile.
Overall though I think the extra year in the system has smoothed out the wrinkles and been responsible for a majority of the improvement.

I think the main difference is stability.. The players know that this coaching staff, for the most part, is not going anywhere. They know the system, they know their individual position coaches expectations, they know how their teammates are going to react and adjust midstream and act accordingly..

There was an interview on Comcast (I think) with Portis and Earnest Byner talking about how they had to learn to work with each other because they are both stubborn and needed to come to a middle ground and that happened about 6 weeks ago. We've seen Portis being a lot more patient and more runs suited to Portis' style recently. Those type of things happen over time..

For the future, with the exception of Brunold, Springs and Patten we are a very young team at the skill positions which should bode well for us over the next 3 or so years.. We have our QB of the future in Campbell already in the fold so there's not a need for turnover there.. We need a young #2 WR and a young pass rushing DE but we are in better shape than we have been since Gibbs left the 1st time..

Alot of what has been said is all so true but to go with that I think this team is building trust in each other. Look at how we had that meeting and rededicated ourself to the running game putting the trust in Portis, Betts, Rock and our Oline. Then you have our d that was given up so many long runs on the outside. If you have been watching (which I know everyone has been) watch how the outside defender whoever it is is making the runner turn the run inside. In the first half of the year that player was trying to make the play and most of the time thats because they did not trust the other players to be in position. Thats just a few but it all comes down to some good coaches and making the players believe in what they are doing and in themselves.

Go to redskins.com and watch the Portis interview this week....thats what's different about our team....


...as dumb as they look, thats commrotery. In addition, can someone teach me how to spell commrotery?

I don't think our defense is any better than last year, but Taylor, Daniels, and Rogers are making up for the loss of Pierce. Our offense, however, has morphed into the 3 headed monster of Clinton, Santana, and Chris. Without a 2nd WR (Patten was average before injury) we are blowing up the NFC East. No LB can cover Cooley and no CB can cover Santana without help. Clinton's offseason weight program work and new practice habits taught by Byner are key. Special teams are much better on coverage units, but our kicking game is still average. You have to think the offseason decision to jettison Coles and Gardner, the only 2 skins who wanted out, was the key. Everyone wants to be here and if LaVar will keep his mouth shut, we could dance our way to the Super Bowl. Gibbs' ability to adjust and create new ways to exploit our 3 headed monster has left defenses gasping for air. And getting turnovers and holding onto the ball the last few weeks is a key. Keep pounding defenses into submission and then go up top to Santana. Voila!

Skins 24
Eagles 9

Go to redskins.com and watch the Portis interview this week....thats what's different about our team....


...as dumb as they look, thats commrotery. In addition, can someone teach me how to spell commrotery?

Assuming you were serious, its "camaraderie."