Riggins comments about Joe Gibbs

[joecrisp]

It's funny, I've heard people say George Michael is washed up, but he seems to still have the same fiery loyalty to the Redskins and Joe Gibbs that he always has. It was just as big a deal for me to bump into Michael at Redskins Park as it was when I bumped into Sonny, Sam and Frank. Michael has always been an icon of the Redskins experience to me, and you can see why in that video. The guy loves it just as much as we do.

As for Riggo's comments, he's never shied away from controversy, and I think in some ways, it echoes some latent fears that exist in many Redskins fans' minds, even if they don't want to admit it. I think many of us, including myself, are so steadfast in our support for Gibbs that we don't want to acknowledge the possibility that Gibbs could falter. Even the hint of that possibility or something similar stirs up an immediate and passionate response from the Redskins faithful. I certainly think that's what Riggo was trying to do when he made these comments-- that's his job, after all-- and it certainly seems to be working. Now some fans will want to listen to Riggo's show, whether they agree with him or not, just to see if he will make more controversial comments. And that's the whole point. They talk so people will listen.

Personally, I agree wholeheartedly with everything Michael said, and while Michael definitely comes off as an unabashed Gibbs supporter, everything he said is accurate from what I've seen of Gibbs since the first March minicamps. Gibbs is giving all of himself to this effort, to the point where some observers are concerned that he could be risking his health. Riggo's comments are simply idle speculation, and have no basis in fact.

[Luxorreb]

Well said Joe.
Riggo is jealous. Don't get me wrong I love Riggo, but In Gibbs I trust. Riggo is pulling out all the stops this election year!

[MTK]

Pretty tasteless comments by Riggo in my opinion. Especially after what he's been through with Gibbs.

I'm all for having an opinion and being free to voice it, but sometimes it seems that Riggo just pops off once in a while to start some controversy and ruffle some feathers.

It's week 3 for crying out loud. Everyone needs to calm the F down and give this some time. Gibbs is not a miracle worker, he wasn't going to come in to Redskins Park, wave his magic wand and everything is ok. I like it when Gibbs says he's starting over, because he truly is.

A new staff, new players, there's going to be an adjustment period. Let's give him and the team time to sort things through.

Now on top of everything the team is starting to get hit with the injury bug.

I think a lot of fans and the media is suffering from very unrealistic expectations.

[illdefined]

Riggo is a gruff, bitter guy. asking for his autograph once at a baseball game he almost scoffed at me. at what hes bitter about, i can only speculate but i cant imagine it being Gibbs. sounds like he's just stretching for relevance (Sirius Radio y'know? why not a real commentator, coach or front office job..) and letting his sparkling personality ooze through.

[Hogskin]

Originally Posted by Shane

You know if it weren't for Joe Gibbs, no one would even remember John Riggins except that he was some football guy who wore a mohawk. Riggins, most know, was retired for a year when Gibbs went to Kansas to convince him to come back to the Redskins in Gibbs' first year.

Riggins' comments are foolish, bizarre, and unjust - and soon to be forgotten.

Riggins has been my favorite Redskin as a player AND otherwise. But I am EXTREMELY disappointed in this tacky crap. Reminds me of JIM BROWN!!

But, Shane, in the interest of accuracy, Riggins DID have back-to-back 1000-yard seasons prior to his first "retirement". He had been here 4 years total, and established himself as much more than the Mohawk freak. Then he held out for a year, after which Gibbs arrived here and traveled to Kansas, because the Redskins really needed him back. Then the "I'm bored, I'm broke, I'm back" incident occurred.

[celts32]

Riggo was a childhood idol of mine, but I am very dissapointed in those comments. Riggo loves to pop off at the mouth and I usually think he's funny. I guess we just never expected him to be popping off about Joe Gibbs. John has never been a rah rah guy about the Redskins since he retired. With 100% of the former Gibbs Redskins praising his return I guess John saw this as a way to get some of the attention he always craves by going against the grain. Very dissapointing...

[celts32]

Originally Posted by Hogskin

Riggins has been my favorite Redskin as a player AND otherwise. But I am EXTREMELY disappointed in this tacky crap. Reminds me of JIM BROWN!!

But, Shane, in the interest of accuracy, Riggins DID have back-to-back 1000-yard seasons prior to his first "retirement". He had been here 4 years total, and established himself as much more than the Mohawk freak. Then he held out for a year, after which Gibbs arrived here and traveled to Kansas, because the Redskins really needed him back. Then the "I'm bored, I'm broke, I'm back" incident occurred.

Great point. If anything Joe Gibbs turned an excellent running back into a Hall of Famer. Riggins has always had a big mouth, but he could back it up on the field.

[Skins fan 44]

undefinedWell lets just hope that Riggo will soon have to eat his words. He cannot expect it all after 2 weeks. The offense is still learning. This may not be our year we have to realize that. Next year will be different. We can hope this year will be great but I think it is slowly falling apart, but it is nothing to panic about it will get worked out. I can see us struggling untill about about week 10 or so then things will start to gell and they may win but it probably will be too late but at least we will have something to look foreward to for next year. Not many coaches make the playoffs the first year of the system.

[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by Daseal

RedskinRat: Playcalling has been mediocre at best. He doesnt seem to adapt the system for Portis. I'm still skeptical just as I would be if we were 2-0 with convincing wins.

New scheme, new players. I would have been shocked if they'd come out firing on all cylinders. By game 4 you should see a distinct improvement, if we have anyone left on the roster uninjured.

[MTK]

Portis is still adjusting to a new scheme and a new offensive line. He's still figuring out how to read his blocks, once he does I think he'll be just as successful in this system as he was in Denver.

The 64 yard TD run was a sample of what this running game is capable of. I remember reading somewhere recently that those kind of plays have been there for Portis but he just hasn't read the play correctly every time.

[Redskins_P]

Maybe it's just because Gibbs has mellowed out a little with age.

I don't see how someone could question his commitment or whatever Riggo was talking about.

Why would he come back in the first place?

[MTK]

That's the point, Redskins P.

I don't think Gibbs would take on any challenge half heartedly.

Either Riggins is just trying to stir up some controversy or the guy is really nuts, the latter wouldn't surprise me.

[Redskins_P]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

That's the point, Redskins P.

I don't think Gibbs would take on any challenge half heartedly.

Either Riggins is just trying to stir up some controversy or the guy is really nuts, the latter wouldn't surprise me.

Or he was plastered when he said that!

[MTK]

It's funny because last night as I was day dreaming in class I was thinking about getting an authentic Riggins jersey made, now I'm thinking twice.

Maybe Monk or Green now.

[Redskins_P]

Can't go wrong with Green, Matty.

Monk, Theissmann, Jurgenson any of those are good too.

I was thinking about getting a Manley jersey. I still haven't seen someone with that one.