A Call for Consistency

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Today I was listening to 680 AM's coverage of the Washington Redskins and I heard several calls for consistency. Antonio Pierce said, "There are what 8 guys left from my rookie season? We don't need another 15-20 new guys. We don't want the roster turned over again. Keep the core guys together, especially on defense, and give the offense a year to get together and we'll be a fine team."

On the Joe Gibbs show on 680 AM, Gibbs said that he expects little turnover on the coaching staff and on the roster. He said that with a few exeptions, the starting offensive and defensive units should return. He said that the effort of the starters really isn't an issue and most of our offseason acquisitions will be backups.

The Washington Post has reported that Arrington was elated by Gibbs' speech and was excited merely about the promised continuity.

I've said for quite a few weeks now that we don't need much of an overhaul of the roster. We've had calls by someone for a new starter at EVERY position except at H-back (Cooley), RT (Jansen), RG (Thomas), DT (Griffin), MLB (Pierce), OLB (Washington), CB (Springs), and FS (Taylor). Basically, various people have called for as many as 14 new starters. Did I miss something here? I don't know why ANYONE would mess with the defensive side of the ball (other than to add a DE or DT). As for the offense, the only two positions I think we need to upgrade are TE (I'd like a mauling, blocking TE) and C (again, we need a mauling, blocking center).

I'd like to have a new backup quarterback, but I don't want to eat Brunell's cap hit until June 1, 2006. I'd like to have a new wideout to start opposite Coles, but Gardner or Jacobs are fine.

Call me crazy (as I am sure many of you will), but i basically want more of the same. Not more of the 6-10, but more consistency, time to learn a new system, and time for Gibbs to adapt his system appropriately. I agree with Gibbs that but for a few starting positions, we don't need to change the roster significantly.

[Redskins8588]

I agree totaly, the D is fine, and the offense needs a center big time. As for Gardner I think that he is one of the exceptions that Gibbs was refering to. I can see us trading him for a draft pick. It might not be a 1st or a 2nd round pick but I can not see us just cutting him and getting nothing in return.

[SmootSmack]

You're crazy....yet I agree with you

[MTK]

Stability and continuity will be a breath of fresh air in Redskins Park. The roster needs some tweaking but nothing like the complete overhauls we've seen the past few years. Let these guys grow and develop in to the system.

[Daseal]

I don't think anyone wants a huge overhaul. We've seen how that works. I'd like maybe another receiver, a big blocking TE, a Center, and depending on how things go, a new DE. I feel we can address nearly all our needs in the draft.

WR - Edwards/Williams
DE - Wisconson/BC guy (we can only have WR or DE, pick best available or whichever you don't pursue in FA)

C round 3, TE round 4, projects for the rest of the draft.

[Gmanc711]

I agree. I think were starting to see how we are a deveolping team, who is gaining some chemsitry, and thats what we need here. Really the only thing that we HAVE TO HAVE is a new Center. Thats the only position on the feild that really hurts our team right now.

It would be nice to get a new WR, DE and blocking TE as well. However the one position I want to see adressed is center. We have to get our guys resigned as well.

[Kevikazi]

Center, pass-rushing DE, bulldozing FB for short yardage situation, SS to push Bowen, and possible replacement for Smoot (if he leaves). That's all I ask for.

[aehs77]

Originally Posted by Kevikazi

Center, pass-rushing DE, bulldozing FB for short yardage situation, SS to push Bowen, and possible replacement for Smoot (if he leaves). That's all I ask for.

gibbs offense doesn't use a fullback does it

[monk81]

I agree all we need is a HEALTHY Arrington on the D side, a HEALTHY Jansen on the O line........pick up a DE...............I see people mentioned center......what about another guard, or do y ou guys like to see 42 year old Ray Brown in the starting lineup....I admire Ray's effort but gee he can't play for ever............I think we also need another guard and a WR to replace Gardner who should be cut or traded...........

[arrington_QBkiller]

gardner is gone for sure, but I think McCants, jacobs and thrash would more than make up for his loss....we need help on the OL, a center and another guard like Elton Brown from UVA who plays both guard and tackle

[SKINSnCANES]

I definitly think that any of our receivers can step up and take Gardners spot. The problem is I dont think its that hard to take Gardners spot and that they are all on par with each other. They all have different strengths, but none are complete. We could definitly use another receiver. i would love for us to get Plaxico Burress

[MTK]

Plax reminds me of a bigger Rod Gardner. Hell of a talent but inconsistent. He's going to be looking for a bigger contract than he's worth.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Plax reminds me of a bigger Rod Gardner. Hell of a talent but inconsistent. He's going to be looking for a bigger contract than he's worth.

Plaxico has improved, though. Gardner's best year was arguably his rookie season, where he was inconsistent, but a factor. As a starter the next year, he got more catches and yards, but as the number one option in a pass-oriented offense, barely cracking 1000 yards isn't a resume-builder. Since then, he's been unable to acclimate to his role in the offense - and the drops just keep on coming.


Year Team G GS No Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ FD
2001 Washington Redskins 16 16 46 741 16.1 85 4 8 5 28
2002 Washington Redskins 16 15 71 1006 14.2 43 8 13 2 51
2003 Washington Redskins 16 16 59 600 10.2 35 5 7 0 30
2004 Washington Redskins 16 15 51 650 12.7 51 5 7 3 30
TOTAL 64 62 227 2997 13.2 85 22 35 10 139