Schlereth: Win-win Situation

[MTK]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1742919



This trade would be a win-win situation for both the organizations and players involved.


In Washington, the Redskins are transitioning from Steve Spurrier's high-octane offensive philosophy to Joe Gibbs' system, which is predicated on the run. To make that system successful, Gibbs already picked up veteran quarterback Mark Brunell. Then, to make it all work, he needed a premiere running back who could carry the ball at least 20-25 times per game to help control the clock and set up play-action -- insert Clinton Portis, who has amassed more than 1,500 yards in each of his two NFL seasons.

Meanwhile in Denver, while Portis is an explosive, speedy back, the Broncos believe that he is also somewhat a product of their system. Afterall, Portis comes from a long lineage of successful running backs in Denver. They feel that they can continue to prosper by plugging a back with similar attributes. Case in point: in Quentin Griffin's Week 16 start, he rushed 28 times for 136 yards against the Colts.

After getting torched by the Indianapolis Colts' offense in 2003's AFC Wild Card matchup, coach Mike Shanahan was forced to take a good, hard look at his defense. Remember, that game's highlights included Peyton Manning throwing for 377 yards and five touchdowns, Marvin Harrison catching seven passes for 133 yards and Brandon Stokley catching four passes for 144 yards.

By picking up Champ Bailey, arguably the best cover-guys in the league, the Broncos are getting a lock-down corner who can shut down one side of the field. That enables them to roll coverage over and help the other cornerback and/or free him up to bring blitzes and mimic some of what the New England Patriots do with Ty Law. (Just two weeks after the Broncos were lit up by the Colts, the Pats secondary held Harrison to just three catches and Law intercepted Manning three times.)

So, both Portis and Bailey not only fill specific needs, they significantly upgrade weaknesses on their new, respective teams. Mark Schlereth played on the offensive line for 13 NFL seasons with the Redskins and Broncos. He played for coach Joe Gibbs for four seasons in Washington.

[Daseal]

I would agree completely if it was simply player for player.

[monk81]

Yes it was a good deal for both teams, BUT i was appalled we had to ALSO give a 2nd round draft pick for Champ, a PRO-BOWL player...........what's the old business adage....you pay what the market will bear....

[BrunellFan]

Wow this is an ancient thread...

[MTK]

Yeah I think we pounded this topic into the ground on other threads.

[SKINSnCANES]

haha, I thought that article looked familar...