Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

I really wanted to title this thread, "I'm So Happy For Joe Gibbs". Sounded kind of cheesey though. I'm obviously happy for the entire team and the roll they're on right now, but on a more personal level I'm most happy for Joe Gibbs.

For most of this year Joe Gibbs has been under intense scrutiny by the media and Redskins fans alike. Going into the Minnesota game, I just had the impression that Joe Gibbs was going to outcoach Ray Childress and company. Not to harp on the 12 man challenge too much, but I think that's a call we miss, say, just three months ago. To me, it's an indicator of how much the entire staff are now of like mind and are seeing and speaking the same thing.

Just to be clear about what I'm getting at here, I don't think this is just another "late season run" by the Redskins. I think this run we're on right now and the one we had a couple of years ago are different; similiar but different. Here's why I say that. Two seasons ago we were a relatively healthy team. Guys were banged up here and there, but nothing like this. Now you have guys like H.B. Blades, Reed Doughty, and Anthony Montgomery stepping up, just to name a few. Did I mention a guy name Todd Collins, by the way?

That year it was more like starters playing like, well, starters. This year, in typical Gibbs fashion, he's using various parts that are at his disposal to win. This was always a trademark of a Gibbs coached team. The coaching across the board seems to have stepped up too. You can see Stephon Heyer grow from week to week. The kid is solid, but you know Buges has him putting in some work. We're also getting milage out of guys like Randall Godfrey, Leigh Torrence, and new comer Anthony Mix.

The Vikings second half surge was a bit worisome as I was wondering if the Redskins were going to have the all too familiar second half collapse, but I think, or at least I hope, this team has grown beyond that identity flaw.

I say "Bring Joe Back" for an extension. Hey, that sounds like a great t-shirt!

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

What's different from the second half collapses we saw earlier, is that the offense continues to put points on the board to keep them in safe winning range. Even with the defense playing lights out in the first half, I knew it would be tough to shut out the Vikings.

And I can't help but wonder what our prospects would be if Campbell were still at the helm knowing what a turnover machine he's been. Todd Collins should get heaps of praise for staying in the pocket under consistent pressure without getting rattled while delivering pinpoint passes downfield.

Gibbs is a magnificent motivator of men, without question. He gets credit for keeping the team focused, and preparing them to play. In different, more subtle ways, he is gradually showing glimpses of the coach he was in the Glory Years.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=Beemnseven;396899]What's different from the second half collapses we saw earlier, is that the offense continues to put points on the board to keep them in safe winning range. Even with the defense playing lights out in the first half, I knew it would be tough to shut out the Vikings.

And I can't help but wonder what our prospects would be if Campbell were still at the helm knowing what a turnover machine he's been. Todd Collins should get heaps of praise for staying in the pocket under consistent pressure without getting rattled while delivering pinpoint passes downfield.

Gibbs is a magnificent motivator of men, without question. He gets credit for keeping the team focused, and preparing them to play. In different, more subtle ways, he is gradually showing glimpses of the coach he was in the Glory Years.[/quote]

I too have wondered how well the team would be doing if Campbell were at the helm right now. This run by Collins definitely puts a little "pressure" on him to play within his game once he returns.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

A great coach will continue to produce improvement in injured players. I have to imagine that Gibbs has been working closely with Campbell on the mental side of the game and that should we make it into the playoffs, a healthy Campbell would play his best football of the season.

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[quote=GTripp0012;396901]A great coach will continue to produce improvement in injured players. I have to imagine that Gibbs has been working closely with Campbell on the mental side of the game and that should we make it into the playoffs, a healthy Campbell would play his best football of the season.[/quote]

That brings up an interesting question - maybe thread worthy at some point - should Campbell take back the team if healthy?

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[QUOTE=12thMan;396902]That brings up an interesting question - maybe thread worthy at some point - should Campbell take back the team if healthy?[/QUOTE]

No. You play Collins till he starts to mess up and then replace him. You have to stick with what's working, plus Campbell will probably be rusty from not having played in a few weeks. And the answer to this thread, Joe Gibbs has never lost his mojo.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

I think we're seeing what this offense is truly capable of with someone at the helm who understands the full play book and isn't limited. That's nothing against Campbell, he's still learning, but right now Collins is the guy we need to roll with.

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[QUOTE=Mattyk72;396920]I think we're seeing what this offense is truly capable of with someone at the helm who understands the full play book and isn't limited. That's nothing against Campbell, he's still learning, but right now Collins is the guy we need to roll with.[/QUOTE]

Thank you!! This explains why Campbell and the offense was not scoring many points and playing conservative. Collins knows the 700+ playbook and that makes a huge difference of what this offense can do.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

hopefully joe gibbs is knocking the rust off his mojo..
and yes we keep collins in there for the long haul now until preseason starts up again.
so we are rolling with collins now so i would stick with him but i hope campbell is still learning this playbook from the sidelines and in the film room.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

This is my first post, Ive been hanging around and I love this team and everythting it represents. Ive been sitting on this thought for awhile and I mention it with caution but this seems to be the perfect thread to bring it up. It may be a misread, but since TC has been playing, this offense looks like a different team. Which brings me to my point. Has there been an internal power struggle between Joe and Al regarding the QB'S? If there was, we would never know with internal affairs being so private under Gibbs. Now that Al has his QB in there, it seems to me that there is alot more continuity between Gibbs and the folks upstairs i.e the 12th man call last night. TC is a good QB for this system ,but mysteriously the whole offense looks better. So is it play calling? Which is a two sided coin. If it is play calling, then great lets keep it up. But then again if it is play calling, someone needs to answer for not having Cambell ready to call this offense. To sum it all up, I feel that AL has been holding back with Cambell in a kind of "told you so" way......Just some food for thought, I would like to hear others opinions on this.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=CooleyFanOV;397007]This is my first post, Ive been hanging around and I love this team and everythting it represents. Ive been sitting on this thought for awhile and I mention it with caution but this seems to be the perfect thread to bring it up. It may be a misread, but since TC has been playing, this offense looks like a different team. Which brings me to my point. Has there been an internal power struggle between Joe and Al regarding the QB'S? If there was, we would never know with internal affairs being so private under Gibbs. Now that Al has his QB in there, it seems to me that there is alot more continuity between Gibbs and the folks upstairs i.e the 12th man call last night. TC is a good QB for this system ,but mysteriously the whole offense looks better. So is it play calling? Which is a two sided coin. If it is play calling, then great lets keep it up. But then again if it is play calling, someone needs to answer for not having Cambell ready to call this offense. To sum it all up, I feel that AL has been holding back with Cambell in a kind of "told you so" way......Just some food for thought, I would like to hear others opinions on this.[/QUOTE]

They play more conservative with Campbell a young QB learning the system and play to his strengths. Collins knows the playbook inside out and is not as physically talented as Campbell but makes it up with his knowledge and smarts. When Campbell absorbs the whole playbook, I say watch out!!

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=CooleyFanOV;397007]This is my first post, Ive been hanging around and I love this team and everythting it represents. Ive been sitting on this thought for awhile and I mention it with caution but this seems to be the perfect thread to bring it up. It may be a misread, but since TC has been playing, this offense looks like a different team. Which brings me to my point. Has there been an internal power struggle between Joe and Al regarding the QB'S? If there was, we would never know with internal affairs being so private under Gibbs. Now that Al has his QB in there, it seems to me that there is alot more continuity between Gibbs and the folks upstairs i.e the 12th man call last night. TC is a good QB for this system ,but mysteriously the whole offense looks better. So is it play calling? Which is a two sided coin. If it is play calling, then great lets keep it up. But then again if it is play calling, someone needs to answer for not having Cambell ready to call this offense. To sum it all up, I feel that AL has been holding back with Cambell in a kind of "told you so" way......Just some food for thought, I would like to hear others opinions on this.[/quote]

Welcome to the board. And yes, the offense does look mysteriously better or smoother...or something. But it's working is all we know.

I think there has been some internal struggle between Gibbs and Saunders. I think it has more to do with releasing JC and less to do with their respective egos.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

Duplicate Post.... Moderator delete

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=CooleyFanOV;397007]This is my first post, Ive been hanging around and I love this team and everythting it represents. Ive been sitting on this thought for awhile and I mention it with caution but this seems to be the perfect thread to bring it up. It may be a misread, but since TC has been playing, this offense looks like a different team. Which brings me to my point. Has there been an internal power struggle between Joe and Al regarding the QB'S? If there was, we would never know with internal affairs being so private under Gibbs. Now that Al has his QB in there, it seems to me that there is alot more continuity between Gibbs and the folks upstairs i.e the 12th man call last night. TC is a good QB for this system ,but mysteriously the whole offense looks better. So is it play calling? Which is a two sided coin. If it is play calling, then great lets keep it up. But then again if it is play calling, someone needs to answer for not having Cambell ready to call this offense. To sum it all up, I feel that AL has been holding back with Cambell in a kind of "told you so" way......Just some food for thought, I would like to hear others opinions on this.[/QUOTE]

Bienvenidos, I think it's a fair point to bring up, but I don't agree that Saunders actively hindered Campbell's progress as if to prove a point or get his way. I think it was more of a side effect of Campbell's inexperience, lack of chemistry with the WR's (due to ongoing injuries), and the teams we played in the beginning of the season as opposed to recently. Also don't underestimate the power of Taylor's memory.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=Beemnseven;396899]And I can't help but wonder what our prospects would be if Campbell were still at the helm knowing what a turnover machine he's been. [/QUOTE]

JC is not a turnover machine. He's played somewhat like a qb who's in his first full year of starting. This is not Patrick Ramsey we're talking about. That said, I think that the combination of him learning more and more of the playbook and seeing TC run the offense well will help him understand how to play.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;397032]JC is not a turnover machine. He's played somewhat like a qb who's in his first full year of starting. This is not Patrick Ramsey we're talking about. That said, I think that the combination of him learning more and more of the playbook and seeing TC run the offense well will help him understand how to play.[/quote]

Agreed.

I think JC gave us exactly what we should have expected from a first year starter.

He's right on the edge, I think next year we'll start to see that breakthrough.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

I liked the fire in Gibbs' eyes last night. The play calling was spot on the first half and adequate in the second half. This team is on the verge of something special this season, but it still has some unfinished buisness to attend to this Sunday. THIS TEAM NEEDS OUR SUPPORT AT FEDEX LIKE NO TEAM HAS YET TO SEE!!! So, 12th man where you at?!? Is this fun or what? Good job Skins, why to make us proud!

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

Yeah...#21 has had a profound effect on all of us....I can only imagine the effect he's had on his teammates and coaches....Its no doubt they are all playing inspired football!

The difference between the two offenses is so stark that its hard for me believe that theres not more to it, then just injuries,inexperience and QB grooming. We are better across the board on offense not just the players. The timing of the calls, the challenges, game speed and overall coaching. The whole ball of wax is improved! Maybe Gibbs plan has been to lull our opponents to sleep. LOL!!!! I dont know what it is and I guess we could sit here and make assumptions all day, whatever it is. Im thrilled!!! If Collins is even partly responsible for this turn around, we have no business even talking about Cambell until next trainning camp!!! Im a huge Cambell fan but at this point Ill take the wins over playing time for our FUTURE star.

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[quote=Mattyk72;397049]Agreed.

I think JC gave us exactly what we should have expected from a first year starter.

He's right on the edge, I think next year we'll start to see that breakthrough.[/quote]

Let's say Collins takes us to the playoffs, we win a game or two and he performs very well. I'm speculating but what the hell.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=BleedBurgundy;397032]JC is not a turnover machine. He's played somewhat like a qb who's in his first full year of starting. This is not Patrick Ramsey we're talking about. That said, I think that the combination of him learning more and more of the playbook and seeing TC run the offense well will help him understand how to play.[/QUOTE]

First year starting QB or not, he's responsible for 19 turnovers (11 picks, 8 fumbles lost) in 417 passing attempts. That's about a turnover every 22 passes.

Inexperienced or not, he's turning the ball over too much. And there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there's no three game winning streak with him at quarterback.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=Beemnseven;397507]First year starting QB or not, he's responsible for 19 turnovers (11 picks, 8 fumbles lost) in 417 passing attempts. That's about a turnover every 22 passes.

Inexperienced or not, he's turning the ball over too much. And there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there's no three game winning streak with him at quarterback.[/QUOTE]

Like I said in a previous thread the o-line is not allowing defenses to pressure TC at all. I still can't single out one week that Campbell has had protection like TC has the last three weeks.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

I said it when Collins first came in the game, and did pretty decent. We are seeing the future of Redskins football. Jason will get there, and I don't think he's bummed that Collins is doing well right now. He just needs to be close with him, and learn.
I think this thread is really funny, because not too long ago there were several "let's get rid of Gibbs" threads going around. "Gibbs is done, We need Cowler". Gibbs is the Coach for this team, has been the Coach with this team, and will continue to be the coach for this team as long as his health lets him.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;396888]For most of this year Joe Gibbs has been under intense scrutiny by the media and Redskins fans alike. Going into the Minnesota game, I just had the impression that Joe Gibbs was going to outcoach [B]Ray Childress[/B] and company. Not to harp on the 12 man challenge too much, but I think that's a call we miss, say, just three months ago. To me, it's an indicator of how much the entire staff are now of like mind and are seeing and speaking the same thing. [/QUOTE]

Is that Brad Childress' twin brother? ;)

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=mheisig;397520]Is that Brad Childress' twin brother?[/quote]

hahaha...you know what, it hadn't dawned upon me until just yesterday when I was watching NFL Network or something, and it said Brad Childress....I was like, snap, I had the wrong guy! Who cares, the Vikes are in our rear view mirror.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=Redskin Warrior;397512]Like I said in a previous thread the o-line is not allowing defenses to pressure TC at all. I still can't single out one week that Campbell has had protection like TC has the last three weeks.[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure I agree with that. The problem for the O-line, up until the last game or two, has been run blocking. Pass protection has generally been good this year. And the fumbling problem has nothing to do with the offensive line. The coaches would agree that regardless of QB pressure, Jason has to protect the ball way better than he has.

Now, don't misunderstand ... I'm not trying to turn this into a bash Campbell routine. Clearly, he's the future of this franchise at quarterback -- not Todd Collins. In fact, Collins just might have more suitors around the league thanks to his recent performances. I think it just shows that Jason still has a long way to go.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

Joe getting his mojo back?!? He never lost it!

This is the reason Joe likes veterans for quarterbacks. They need to be experienced and "real smart". They have to have the ability to slow the game down and not get themselves to pressured to make a mistake.

Honestly, I think this is JC glaring flaw since the 3rd week of the season. He as inablility to keep a level head when the pressure mounts. It doesnt help he puts additional pressure on himself in the latter part of the game, to win it. He starts to hang on to the ball to long or puts himself in a situation he cant handle (passes a ball across his body to a receiver going the opposite direction and very well covered, when he could have ran it for a first down. UGH!). Think that was the Buc or Bill game.

Btw, if Brunell was in and the fumbling/Int was like this he would have been benched along time ago. Everyones giving JC the benefit of the doubt because hes a promising rookie. Well enough already, its playoff time and we need to focus on winning. We can toss JC the start position next year. Keep TC in till we lose or go all the way.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[QUOTE=4mrusmc;397079]I liked the fire in Gibbs' eyes last night. The play calling was spot on the first half and adequate in the second half. This team is on the verge of something special this season, but it still has some unfinished buisness to attend to this Sunday. THIS TEAM NEEDS OUR SUPPORT AT FEDEX LIKE NO TEAM HAS YET TO SEE!!! So, 12th man where you at?!? Is this fun or what? Good job Skins, why to make us proud![/QUOTE]

Great point about the "fuego" in Gibbs' eyes. He has lacked that during his second stint, but had it (a lot of it) in his first stint. Aging is an insufficient reason for the lack of fire.

Just look at one of the Torresa videos (82 SB run) from the Warpath film room and you can see what I mean about the look in his eye.

Recently, there have been occasions where you can see glimpses of that - Minnesota game, when Landry picked up the dumb 15yarder on the Burress hit, etc.

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I've never understood people saying that he's lost his fire for coaching.

He didn't need to come back and put his legacy on the line for the Redskins. He was doing quite well in NASCAR, and he has a bust in Canton. He didn't come back for a paycheck, that's for damn sure.

I believe he will sign a 2 year extension after this season and he will continue working his ass off trying to get this ship back on course.

There are 3 things that should never be questioned with Joe Gibbs. His faith, his work ethic, and his leadership abilities.

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Pretty good article from none other than Wilbon, they even mention drinking kool aid. [url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/27/AR2007122702382.html]washingtonpost.com[/url]

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[QUOTE=SFREDSKIN;398160]Pretty good article from none other than Wilbon, they even mention drinking kool aid. [url=http://washingtonpost.com]washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines[/url][/QUOTE]

That Wilbon column is great.

Joe definitely strives during adversity and with that calm attitude of his, he keeps the players focused.

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[QUOTE=Redskins_P;398164]That Wilbon column is great.

Joe definitely strives during adversity and with that calm attitude of his, he keeps the players focused.[/QUOTE]

Here's another awesome article from Redskins.com via extremeskins.

[url=http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33311]Who Are These Guys?[/url]

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=Mattyk72;398122]I've never understood people saying that he's lost his fire for coaching.

He didn't need to come back and put his legacy on the line for the Redskins. He was doing quite well in NASCAR, and he has a bust in Canton. He didn't come back for a paycheck, that's for damn sure.

I believe he will sign a 2 year extension after this season and he will continue working his ass off trying to get this ship back on course.

There are 3 things that should never be questioned with Joe Gibbs. His faith, his work ethic, and his leadership abilities.[/quote]

Very very true. I would never ever question any of these things w/ Gibbs. However I will question his game management skills the 2nd go around. But FINALLY, as we sit in year 4, it looks like he's gotten it figured out.

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[quote=SFREDSKIN;398165]Here's another awesome article from Redskins.com via extremeskins.

[URL="http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33311"]Who Are These Guys?[/URL][/quote]

Good article.

We really do have a lot of no-names out there right now.

This is a classic Gibbs team.

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IMO the defense has been pretty consistent this year, our recent success is largely attributable to the greater consistency on offense. With players recovering from injury and the QB securing the ball and making quicker reads, our offense has flourished. I know some might accuse me of being a Gibbs' apologist, but in my mind Gibbs has been a constant whereas the player execution/availability has not. Nonetheless, it's funny how our perception of Gibbs is so dramatically affected by things outside of his control (e.g., player injuries and turnovers).

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;398165]Here's another awesome article from Redskins.com via extremeskins.

[URL="http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33311"]Who Are These Guys?[/URL][/quote]

That was a great article. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself and remember that we won a SB with Mark Rypien.

Re: Is Gibbs Getting His Mojo Back?
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;398165]Here's another awesome article from Redskins.com via extremeskins.

[URL="http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33311"]Who Are These Guys?[/URL][/quote]
I heart Mark Steven (Om). When it comes to writing about this team and bringing things into perspective, he is in a class by himself.

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Let us not forget that GIBBS is Mr. December!!

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[quote=Beemnseven;397507]First year starting QB or not, he's responsible for 19 turnovers (11 picks, 8 fumbles lost) in 417 passing attempts. That's about a turnover every 22 passes.

Inexperienced or not, he's turning the ball over too much. And there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there's no three game winning streak with him at quarterback.[/quote]
Wow, nice job of validating a point. I thought he was turning the ball over too much also.

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[quote=hurrykaine;398113]Great point about the "fuego" in Gibbs' eyes. He has lacked that during his second stint, but had it (a lot of it) in his first stint. Aging is an insufficient reason for the lack of fire.

Just look at one of the Torresa videos (82 SB run) from the Warpath film room and you can see what I mean about the look in his eye.

Recently, there have been occasions where you can see glimpses of that - Minnesota game, when Landry picked up the dumb 15yarder on the Burress hit, etc.[/quote]
Yeah buddy, I remember those days when he had that profesional swagger on the sidelines. We all saw it again last Sunday. Let's hope this team can channel that "swagger" on the field for some more games in January.

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[quote=Lady Brave;398482]I heart Mark Steven (Om). When it comes to writing about this team and bringing things into perspective, he is in a class by himself.[/quote]

He's one of the few bright spots over there.