Lenny P: Coles' toe still a concern?

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I didn't expect Gibbs to walk into town and have overnight success. I also am quite aware of what Gibbs did for this team, franchise, and town. I also appreciate that the guy knows a hell of a lot more about the game than all of us combined. Finally, I think he'll get the job done.

However, I'm not just going to give the guy a free pass; that would make this site incredibly boring and ignore reality. Gibbs, like anyone else of equal talent, makes mistakes. To say his mistakes are outweighed by his attributes and we'll be fine in the long run is one thing. To completely ignore his mistakes is totally different.

I can't defend the playcalling from last season. Yeah, we we're "in" every game last year - due to Williams' defense, not Gibbs' offense. The offense was atrocious. The QB situation stank, but Gibbs is the guy who paid Brunell big cash to come into town. I distinctly remember most warpathers defending Gibbs' playcalling through about Week 8. But I also remember that by week 12, those same Warpathers had joined those of us who criticized the playcalling. The run game was pathetic, the passing attack was awful, and the offense as a whole couldn't score points.

Good coaches can take mediocre talent and make them look good.

[MTK]

There were many factors that contributed to the less than spectacular offense.

Gibbs adjusting to the "new" NFL after being away for over a decade, losing Jansen resulting in the constant reshuffling on the OL, Brunell not working out as expected, the entire offense struggling with execution, and of course the playcalling. I really think Gibbs got spooked after that first Giants game when they turned it over 7 times and he tightened the reins too much and never let up.

Then when the switch to Ramsey finally came, there was that adjustment period. I think the entire season was full of adjustments, and now Gibbs should have a much better idea of what works and what doesn't work as they head into next year. He also knows his team now and what his player's strengths and weaknesses are.

If we're sitting here next year talking about how the offense stunk it up again, then I'll definitely be concerned.

Don't mistake this for a "free pass", but with Gibbs' history and credentials, I'm more than willing to give him a mulligan for the 2004 season.

[Longtimefan]

Coach Gibbs knew earyl last season that he did not have the working parts to make the big plays downfield that's why he stuck to the conservative game plan of short passes most of the year. The first nine games were a disaster because of Brunell and his lack of arm strength, however once Gibbs decided to replace him things didn't get a lot better with Ramsey, thouigh slightly improved.

The changes made thus far in the off-season is a clear indication of what Gibbs felt was neccessary to get the passing game going. While Gibbs will never publicly criticize his players, his actions so far is a clear indication of his thoughts. If we do not add another Receiver I think we will do just fine with what we have now. I'm convienced the passing game will be much improved in 05.

Go Skins!!

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

There were many factors that contributed to the less than spectacular offense.

Gibbs adjusting to the "new" NFL after being away for over a decade, losing Jansen resulting in the constant reshuffling on the OL, Brunell not working out as expected, the entire offense struggling with execution, and of course the playcalling. I really think Gibbs got spooked after that first Giants game when they turned it over 7 times and he tightened the reins too much and never let up.

Then when the switch to Ramsey finally came, there was that adjustment period. I think the entire season was full of adjustments, and now Gibbs should have a much better idea of what works and what doesn't work as they head into next year. He also knows his team now and what his player's strengths and weaknesses are.

If we're sitting here next year talking about how the offense stunk it up again, then I'll definitely be concerned.

Don't mistake this for a "free pass", but with Gibbs' history and credentials, I'm more than willing to give him a mulligan for the 2004 season.

That, I can deal and agree with.