TheWarpath.net Q&A transcript with Rick Snider (DC Examiner) 4/10/06

[MTK]

Much thanks to Rick Snider for taking our questions!



ExOffender: Why Adam Archuleta? Is he much different from Bowen or a worthy upgrade from Clark?

RS: I don't think it has as much to do with Bowen or Clark as it does Sean Taylor. Maybe the fear of losing Taylor to prison has the team bumping up to get Archuleta as insurance. He is definitely an upgrade from both Bowen and Clark, but not for the money the Redskins spent. I wouldn't have done the deal for that salary, but if Taylor goes to jail then it's a good move so in the end I don't blame the Redskins for hedging and overpaying.

That_Guy: Why have the Skins been so slow to address nickel CB and a potential LB after going gangbusters at the major needs? The talent pool seems to be drying up, and while guys like Keith Adams or Sam Cowhart might not be perfect, they probably will be better than whatever's left a week from now. Do you think they're looking to promote Mccune/Khary C/Clemons/Sykes instead?

RS: I think Clemons is promoted. The Redskins showed some restraint and didn't overpay for guys that weren't worth it. They'll gamble that Clemons can do a credible job. He probably will.

That_Guy: Also, with only one first day pick, it looks like OL/LB/DB are still the most pressing needs, but only one starter type could be picked up, what do you think their draft strategy will be?

RS: As they say, best player available at that point.

dmek25: How big of an impact will Al Saunders have with the offense?

RS: I don't think Saunders will have a dramatic impact because the offense wasn't that bad. Brunell just wore down over the season. Saunders frees Gibbs to do other things like personnel in the offseason so the hire has some ripple effect that goes unseen.

backrow: Some teams build via the Draft, ex. the Patriots and the Steelers. The Redskins seem to prefer the FA market. Is it because HOF Coach Gibbs is that much in favor of experienced personnel, or is it because the two SB winners are "Cheap"?

RS: First, it's always hard to Super Bowl winners to keep everybody. Success costs money and they have to make their choices. Second, the Redskins definitely prefer the FA market. Gibbs always has and Danny can't get enough of it. That's a dangerous combination at times. The Redskins are built short-term, but maybe that's the best way to go in the NFL nowadays.

Mattyk72: Rick, the Skins have gone from a bare cupboard at WR to a log jam overnight, how do you see Randle El and Lloyd fitting in? Will there be enough balls to go around between Moss, Lloyd, Randle El, and Cooley??

RS: I would have not taken both Lloyd and Randle El not because they're untalented but because the position is now overstocked. That said, somebody gets hurt and that depth will come in handy. I would have chosen one of the two. The Redskins don't have the quarterback to handle all four and let's not forget Clinton Portis running the ball. The resources should have been used elsewhere.

Mattyk72: Rick, your take on LaVar's exit from the Skins? Which party made out the best, the team or LaVar?

RS: The team. LaVar forgave $4 million when the team was going to cut him and eat that money on the cap.

BrudLee: It's been suggested by various pundits that LaVar's agents, who have recently been suspended for their shoddy representation of LaVar during his last contract, did him a greater disservice by allowing him to buy out his contract without gauging interest from other teams. Given that LaVar hasn't signed a deal yet, and has only visited a few teams, what's your take?

RS: I'm not a big fan of LaVar's agents. They admit not reading his last contract before it was signed. There is absolutely no defense to that, which is why one of the agents is now suspended. I just don't like how they do business, but LaVar has stood with them. Then again, LaVar is a classy guy and loyal. I'm surprised LaVar hasn't signed anywhere yet and I think in the end it was a mistake for him to forgive the team's debt instead of waiting.

Paintrain: Rick, What are the weaknesses you see (if any) that would preclude you from calling the Redskins a Super Bowl contender?

RS: Kicker. It has derailed this team before and I have no faith the situation is resolved yet. I wish they had kept Nick Novak, but he may become available in the summer again. The starting units are fine, but they're still a little thin on OL depth. That all said, I think the team will make the playoffs again.

Mattyk72: Rick, to us fans it seems the national media is a bit biased towards the Redskins and some writers seem to go out of their way at times to take jabs at the team and Snyder specifically.

Do you feel there is a bias towards the Skins from the national media, or are we as fans just so dialed into the team and what is said about them, we are a bit hypersensitive at times?

RS: Those of you who read me for 10 years covering the team daily for the Washington Times before I switched to the Washington Examiner as its columnist last fall know I was always breaking stories on Snyder's misdeeds. The national media took its cues from me. They see Snyder for what he is. And while I could spend all day on this subject, let's just say I'm not a fan of anyone who made jokes about me while I was having a heart attack in the lobby of Redskin Park in 2002. Get my drift?

TAFKAS: Do you think Taylor Jacobs needs a change of scenery, or is he simply just not cut out to be a consistent, dependable NFL Wide Receiver?

RS: I don't think he's cut out to make it in the NFL, but a change of scenery might help.

TAFKAS: How does David Patten fit in now with the additions that have been made?

RS: He becomes a high-priced backup, but he's a good role player.

FRPLG: What's the story on Campbell? Many here believe this Skins team has a chance to go deep into the playoffs. But everything seemingly depends on Brunell staying healthy. Is Campbell the type of guy we can depend on to be a smart/no mistakes kind of guy if he has to step in and lead? Or is it too early in his career for us to even consider that? There have been a few noteworthy young QBs who have been able to do this lately. Where does Campbell fit in with guys like Brady and Roethlisberger at similar stages in their careers?

RS: Campbell is an exciting talent, but whenever he plays you can expect him to make his share of mistakes. The team needs to get him some time. They blew a few chances last year. I think Campbell needs a couple years before emerging. I think he'll be good, though.

FRPLG: Andre Carter looks like a potentially brilliant move. He was out of position in Niner land and promises to produce better now that he back at his natural position. What type of impact do you see him having and what type of impact will Daniels moving to the other side of the line have?

RS: It's funny, but ends are made to be right or left siders. You'd think it's the same job, but it's not. I haven't really thought about the impact of Daniels moving. He might be fine. Carter could be a good pickup if healthy.

Mattyk72: Rick, what do you make of Terrell Owens going to Dallas? Is that a recipe for disaster with Parcells?

RS: Parcells will make it work. He's the second best coach in the game behind you know who.

wilsowilso: What's your take on the kicking and punting situation? Hall is injury prone and doesn't have the big leg anymore and our punter situation was not good last year? Danny Smith must be asking where's the special teams love?

RS: Hall's injuries really make him questionable. I don't think he makes the team. Punter? Matt Turk told me recently he'd love to return. I wish he could. Who knows where this is going.

gortiz: Which of the following players on the offensive side of the ball is going to benefit the most from Al Saunders play calling? By benefit, I mean have the best year of his career? Portis, Cooley, Moss, Lloyd, or Randle El.

RS: That's really hard to say, but I'll take Lloyd. Portis has already done great things. Moss and Cooley can't really improve off last year's numbers and Randle El comes off a big year, though his catches should increase. That leaves Lloyd.

Sherrif Gonna Getcha: Is Renaldo Wynn moving inside and Joe Salave'a being relegated to spot duty? Or is Wynn going to remain at DE mostly and rotate with Daniels at LE?

RS: Wynn won't be healthy until training camp so it's hard to say. I would expect him to stay at end.

Well, this was certainly an excellent Q&A. Made me think hard for a few minutes. Thanks for the headache. Be sure to read John Keim and I in the Examiner at www.dcexaminer.com.

Rick