Pour Some Sugar On Me - Washington Redskins GM Bruce Allen's Blueprint
by Sugar on Jan 12, 2010 12:51 PM EST
in Pour Some Sugar On Me
197 comments
You know when you pass out while watching a DVD after a night of drinking and you wake up on the couch with the menu screen running in loops? If you are hungover enough, you might pass in and out of consciousness for hours before mustering the strength to get up and put an end to the maddening cycle. Some movies are worse than others. Some have absolutely mind-numbing sounds that get repeated multiple times per minute. Shrek ranks among the worst. I can vividly recall one morning years ago waking up in a warm sweat, lacking the energy to get up and turn the TV off. The sound of Eddie Murphy's "Donkey" character jumping up and yelling, "Pick me! Pick me!" echoed between my ears. By the time I put my feet on the ground to locate the remote control (mind you, not to walk to the TV) I was 95% on my way to total insanity.
Don't act like it's just me.
So why do I bring this up today? Well, it is my humble opinion that this should be Vinny Cerrato's punishment for his crimes and misdemeanors on the job the last decade. Just tie him down and make him listen to the Shrek menu looping...for ten years. Then we'll be even. OK...I'm done.
What follows is a healthy blend of wishlist and blueprint for our new GM Bruce Allen to consider. I look forward to hearing what you think about them.
Ten Yard Fight - 10 Chances To Make One Good Point
1) Embrace defensive football - Mike Shanahan is an offensive guy to be sure. Offense is the area of this team that needs the most focus and attention. But that should not coincide with losing focus of who our team is...better yet, that should not coincide with failing to understand who our team is andwhere our strengths lie. You can win with a great defense. A slightly more aggressive scheme and one or two personnel adjustments could put our defense in the elite category. For this reason, I would be okay with using a high draft pick on a defensive stud (more on this in item #2.) Committing to excellence on defense is a path to the playoffs. Assuming Shanahan can wield his powers on offense, we could ride an elite defense into the playoffs and beyond. We are not elite yet though.
2) Rebuild Offensive Line -This one is blindingly obvious of course but we are going to list it prominently nonetheless. I kind of straddle the fence on whether or not to use the #4 pick on an offensive tackle. I think it would be wrong to take a quarterback there, but if a guy like Eric Berry was available, I could easily live with that pick (see above). I always come back to this though: if they say they are going to take the "best player available", fine...but they better be prepared to identify an OL as the BPA if one is there. There are few positions more valuable than offensive tackle, especially for a team with gigantic holes on their line. Inherent in our FO's rating system should be a premium on offensive linemen, as opposed to the discount they seem to have applied to offensive linemen in the past. For example, if say, a tackle and a safety (you know, for example) are rated evenly at the top of a draft, a team like ours should jump to take the tackle.
3) Bring in linebacker depth via free agency/trades (not draft) - Our linebacking corps is deceptively thin. Orakpo is a Pro Bowl OLB, but we all know he is used best as a pass rusher instead of in coverage. London Fletcher is awesome, but not getting any younger. Rocky McIntosh played well this season and--when healthy--is a very solid OLB. As a starting three, they look good on paper, but are we actually paper thin here? I love Chris Wilson but he seems to excel at rushing the passer as well, in addition to being a rising special teams performer. H.B. Blades and Robert Henson continue to provide depth but one wonders if an incoming DC will remain as loyal to these two as the previous regime. The arrival of a new DC is really why I favor bringing veteran guys in. Over the last handful of seasons, two linebackers come immediately to mind as guys who were brought in by DC's that knew them and wanted them to lead their unit on the field: London Fletcher and Bart Scott. Both guys made huge impacts right away on their respective new teams and both guys were hand-picked by a coach who had experience with their tendencies and were comfortable with their ability to implement the system on the field. If, for example, we bring in Mike Zimmer, then I would want to see him target one of the restricted free agent linebackers on the Bengals roster. Brandon Johnson has the best numbers but the truth is I know little about him, Abdul Hodge, or Rashad Jeanty. But Zimmer knows them well. While they don't appear to be Bart Scott/London Fletcher types, they could have a very positive impact on a linebacking corps that needs some help. And with other holes to fill in this draft, I think we are better served bringing in 4th and 5th year veterans who want to compete for jobs instead of 4th and 5th round draft picks who may not be ready to compete for jobs.
4) Trade Santana Moss on draft day -This one is going to rankle some folks, including me to be honest. But the notion that there are players on this team that are "untouchable" or "untradeable" has hampered our ability to get better at times over the last decade. Santana Moss can still play, and is still valuable. This is precisely why it makes sense to trade him. A smart team (and probably a good team) could snap him up and utilize him right away. The Redskins could secure a much needed draft pick in the 2nd or 3rd round (is that too greedy?) to use on an offensive lineman who should be able to come in and contribute right away. With Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, Marko Mitchell (even despite that awful drop at the end of the Chargers game), Chris Cooley and Fred Davis in the fold, as well as a few free agents available to Shanahan to consider for veteran depth, trading Santana Moss makes a lot of sense.
5) Cut ARE - Do I think he can still play in this league? I guess, sure. But where is his spot on our roster, and whose playing time does he continue to eat into? I just don't see him as a guy who should be returning kicks or taking reps away from what is clearly the future of this team. I always come back to the fact that the Steelers let him go by the way...I never got the sense that they "lost him to us."
6) Hold one game every year at RFK - Start with a preseason game and then turn it up to a regular season game. Hold a lottery among season ticket holders for the tickets. If Buffalo can play a game in Toronto and the NFL can make teams host home games overseas, we can have a game at RFK. I am a season ticket holder and I am 100% okay with the fact that I may not be able to go to the game. In fact, I would love to see Dan Snyder adopt some Ted Leonsis-esque tactics to keep out opposing fans for the RFK affairs. Imagine tapping into the magic of RFK once a year. It could be huge. Snyder could still host tailgating and game-watching at FedEx on the day of the RFK game. Bruce Allen knows RFK well. His father had some incredible moments there. Don't be afraid to wake those ghosts up and enlist their assistance in our cause (Lord of the Rings-style).
7) Draft RB/QB in 4th/5th rounds - Shanahan can find talent at the running back position in the middle of the draft. There will be a guy sitting there at some point who is from a smaller school, without the wear and tear of a big conference back, that can come in and play for us right away. As for picking up a QB this late...I wonder where Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan) will go in the upcoming draft? This is the kind of guy I am pulling for Shanahan to get (cough...Danny Rouhier..cough), but I fear he might be gone by the 3rd (I can live with figuring out a way to get him there, too.) I think Shanahan should earn his money in the middle of the draft by finding a RB and QB he can "coach up."
8) Implore Mike Shanahan to revolutionize a two tight end set - This is a fanciful wish I know. But we have two guys who can get out there and make plays from the tight end spot. That is what most people define as "a strength." Good coaches/organizations maximize their strengths.
9) Retain Jerry Gray somehow...I love him as a coach -Have you heard him in post-game interviews? Have you heard his players talk about him? I am extraordinarily wary of stopping short of cleaning house. But there is something about this coach that makes me love him. I have publicly pulled for Mike Zimmer to be brought in and I'll stick to that, but I do believe there is a way to increase Gray's responsibilities and impact on this franchise without making him defensive coordinator. Of all of these, this suggestion could turn out to be one of the more important ones I feel.
10) Change uniforms back to retro ones we wore in Sean Taylor's last season: Mustard yellow pants, white/burgundy tops, Gold helmets with the Circle R on them (pictured below). Stuff like this matters. It works on a number of levels. It is part of sweeping change. It contributes to the changed perception of our team from the inside and out. Does it make people magically able to catch and throw? No. But I think it's cool, refreshing, and fun. It is time for everyone to see this team differently. Making this change contributes to that goal.
I am certain that all of you have plenty of additional suggestions as well as critiques of mine. Which one do you like the best? Which one(s) do you find idiotic?
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Can I get a proucer credit for the RFK idea?
Truthfully, who would want Santana? And what would they give up for him?
I’m not down for the Radio Shack jerseys b/c we wore them and got our asses kicked by the Giants, also no more burgundy on burgundy on MNF
I think everyone likes Jerry Gray, including myself. But why do we want him back so bad? For some soundbites? I don’t know if anyone noticed but our secondary blew ass this year. I just don’t think he’s a fit any where, I think Zimmer is going to be DC, then Zimmer 2.0 at LB Coach, and Slowik at DB coach.
Re: Throwbacks
I was about to say, isn’t that a picture from right before Portis was stopped on consecutive goalline chances to cement the Giants’ comeback in that game and propel them onward to a super bowl?
I think it was Betts that got stopped
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Zimmers signed 3yr deal
to stay in Cincy & Jerry Gray is being interveiwed for the DC position today, so i think we`ll know soon who the new DC will be.
For once, I agree with Ken...I like all these
My movie moment was waking up hungover on my friend’s couch to the Zoolander DVD menu running for 6 hours. I had to hear “I FEEL LIKE I’M TAKING CRAZY PILLS!!” every 60 seconds. No remote in arm’s reach, head pounding,….it was brutal after the first 65 times.
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
only thing is...
Devin Thomas, MK, and Marko are terrible as a 3 WR set. Devin Thomas is good, but MK had a horrible year again and his inability to score on that last play @ Diego was aggravating. It’s one thing to have zero RBs that can out run a secondary…but a starting WR too??
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't say he had a horrible year
He really wasn’t used much, or used well or thrown to accurately.
chicken and egg
there’s no way to know if he didn’t get playing time and passes b/c he couldn’t get open, or b/c JC couldn’t find him, or b/c JC only had time to go through 2 reads
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I'm going with he wasn't used correctly
as Randle El was ahead of him on the depth chart
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Although, as with the chicken and the egg,
that could be an indictment of just how bad MK was this season as well.
as I said in another thread
this team has been notorious for not putting the best players on the field at some positions, because they “trusted” others to do the job (Randle El being the main culprit). So I’m slow to call MK bad.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
yea
but me being a fan on a blog, I can choose which side to crap on. I’ve decided that Zorn is an idiot who let players control who got onto the field.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
I'd be inclined to agree with you
but being a grad student on a tight budget, I’m forced to use both sides of the toilet paper.
as long as you're using Charmin Double Rolls
I concede the point
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
believe it or not
yes, I do. And god help me if they don’t have “pretty” designs on them
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Being married is actually not a factor
I think it is a # of bathrooms thing. We have a 2 BR/1 BA condo, so keeping one bathroom stocked with the good stuff is a no-brainer. If we had multiple bathrooms, then I would maybe start to really shine a light on our toilet paper expenses.
Though it occurs to me to wonder if additional bathrooms actually encourage additional shitting. I would hypothesize that it does in fact encourage additional “Loaf-Pinching Events.”
But then I would have to start monitoring diets, ethnicity of take-out choices, as well as comprehensive studies on height, weight, color, and smell of the fecal samples.
Then again, I am a wet wipes man, so what do I care?
hahaha
I defer to Sug’s expertise. I’m relatively new to the marriage thing, so maybe only my significant other wants only the best.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
And the owner
who let players control who got onto the field.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I think he was ok considering it was basically his rookie year
I feel decent about him long term but agree that is kindof a weak 3-wr set
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 2:47 AM EST up reply actions
I've woken up
Countless times to movies like that and the best one in my opinion is the Old School movie loop, sure the looped sound is annoying but everytime you get angry and look at the screen you get two hot topless chicks.
House of a Thousand Corpses has the best loop.....
Awful movie but the DVD intro is the best. I turn it on just for the menu loop. Helps me fall asleep!
if Moss and ARE are gone...
We will definitely be looking at the worst WR corps in the NFL, assuming we make no changes. Honestly, dumping Moss to pick up an OL in the draft just creates another hole at the top of our WR corps. We can get three OL in the draft and still get the backup QB and RB we all want to see us pick up. And we have other pieces on this team (like Randle El) who would warrant a late pick in the draft. Come on, someone would move a 5th or 6th for ARE that we could make into a lineman or linebacker.
What about Anthony Montgomery or Phillip Daniels? Someone would move on one of those guys, and as much as I love Daniels, we will have Carter Orakpo and Jeremy Jarmon to work with next year. And we are so loaded at DT it’s unfair to Montgomery to keep him in the fold, honestly. He barely played this year because Golston was so involved.
I don’t think we can let go of Moss, who is at the very least a low-end #1 receiver for us. If we get a top-end WR in free agency (or the draft, somehow) Moss is a great #2. Thomas is not consistent enough to be counted on game-in, game-out to move Moss yet, do you think?
Remember… we couldn’t run any deep passes this year. Campbell never had time. As you may remember, Moss is pretty good on those deep balls!
Whenever I think, "Some other team would be able to get a lot out of Moss"
I always think…it would be nice for Shanahan to get that chance. The chance to trade Santana for a lineman who could start here for the next 10 years and keep a QB upright so that he can throw to someone/anyone is one I would not pass up.
One of those situations where if he stays, I am obviously happy. Although when he wins the MVP award I will never hear the end of it.
Actually
Moss isn’t even our #1 receiver. DT is making more plays is physically stronger and probably faster. Moss can’t get off the line, takes dives rather than fight for yards or break tackles, and has lost at least a step. I say keep him and put him in the slot and dump ARE. With a lineup like the following, we are gold:
DT Cooley/Yoder Davis MK/MM
Moss
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
disagree
I think Moss is fighter and he gets extra yards. I do agree that his size adds to his problem getting off the line though. Thats why I want to put him in th eslot (my comment on this is below)
Whatever we think, we both agree he needs to be in the slot
And I still stand by my statement on other posts that no matter what Santana does in the future, he should go into our Ring of Honor just for what he’s done against the Cowboys.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
when Moss plays good teams...
He disappears. In the opener against the giants, he was thoroughly frustrated and was a non factor. We need a new direction there. ARE can catch, and s decent in the slot, but he is more of a James Thrash. He should be running down on returns, not returning it.
I LOVE the uniform idea!!!
Well, my rebuttal to that is no one pays attention to Thomas
Santana Moss always faces the #1 corners. I like Devin…but anointing him the new #1 WR is premature imho. Based on the stats this year, Moss is easily the #1 WR:
Devin: 25 catches for 325 yards
Moss: 70 catches for 902 yards
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
I see what you are saying,
but Moss is transitioning slightly downward and DT has all upside. Moss’s numbers were also helped by the fact that a) he was check down receiver a lot; and b) he wasn’t the 3rd or 4th option in a scheme…well we all know the story about the O-line and JC. It seems for some reason, once Cooley went down both DT and Davis started to be featured in the O-plan (if there was one).
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
What does #1 WR mean to you?
Who lines up where? Who gets the most balls, or the most attention?
I think who lines up in the Flank, Split, and Slot should be a matter of what each players strengths are. If it’s targets, I think Moss would retain that honor in the slot, much like Wes Welker dominates the league. Attention is hard to predict, since the team will most likely give the most attention to the mismatches the defense allows. Nickelback on Moss = mismatch. OLB on Moss = joke.
+1 WR
Is a meaningless honor. Much like getting the gold at the Special Olympics. Roy Williams is Dallas’ #1 WR.
If only we could get a trade deal like that
I think Detroit got like 37 picks for Williams.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Its just the football gods
bringing some balance to the universe after the Herschel Walker trade.
by CarverM on Jan 12, 2010 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
#1 WR to me
Means your best play makes and the WR that faces the defense’s best corners.
I may be delusional, but Moss still brings it in that categories. If you’re going to say MKelly is being mis-used, which I can agree with, than Santana is definitely being mis-used. Almost all his plays were screens or slants…or there was never time for him to get deep.
Moss is still a huge threat.
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
play maker*... dammit.
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
apart of me died
when I saw Moss get chased down from behind by a LB. if we get some more play action next year, I think we’ll see the Moss of old again.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Montgomery and Daniels are FA as are Golston and L. Alexander. We basically only have 1 decent DT under contract for next year
Jarmon might also not be available at the beginning of next season either.
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 2:50 AM EST up reply actions
Golston and Monty might be RFA though
not sure. But basically we have no DT depth to trade and in fact need to resign some people and get another legit DT in the draft or FA to replace Griff who is done.
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 2:52 AM EST up reply actions
Moss has no trade value.
He’s 30, injury plagued, inconsistent, and is overpaid.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
We talking about the same player?
Moss wasn’t injured all year, the offense as a whole is inconsistent, and being over-paid is not his fault.
When Moss is used right (Joe Gibbs), he was a monster. The duo of Snyder and Zorn’s offense with Cerrato’s OLine blows.
WRs are very hard to draft for….i think a lot of teams would give up a #2 or #3 for Moss if they needed a guy.
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Moss
would be a great fit in New England if they didn’t have Welker. That’s exactly the type of player they would go after – savvy, still productive veterans.
New England Has the picks......
and Wes will not play for most of next years regular season. New England definatly has the need for an extra WR due to them making some awful choices on FA signings and drafting…. In the WR spot I mean.
You're talking about '09. I'm talking about his tenure as a Redskin.
Even in his best years with Gibbs he was inconsistent, even accounting for the nature of the WR position.
He has no trade value. He’s old, has had many nagging injuries, and isn’t consistent.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
At least he is not a complete head case
like many WRs:
Ochocinco
Randy Moss
Brandon Marshall
Braylon Edwards
Plaxico Burress
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Eh
Ochocinco might be a little full of himself but he never lost respect from the team or had any off field cases unlike all the other receivers you listed.
Surprised that you didn’t put TO up there
by Nobetterthenbob on Jan 12, 2010 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
I seem to remember Chad Johnson demanding a trade
and doing the whole “I’ll never play in Cinncinnati again” thing.
Wouldn't Moss have a good contract once we traded him
Doesn’t it make us assume all of his Guaranteed money in one year? Could the trading team then renegotiate his high salary down with some more guaranteed money?
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 2:55 AM EST up reply actions
Oops
I was thinking TO when the idea for the post snuck into my feeble brain. Just left him out for some reason. I’ll go 50/50 on Ochocinco – I think he’s a head case, but perhaps not nearly has self and team destructive as the rest.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I will be angry if we draft Berry over an OL (within reason) or trading down
If we don’t add youth to our OL, and specifically OT, we will go 4-12 or 6-10 or something next year, and indefinitely into the future.
We simply can’t put off adding quality OL prospects for another year. We no longer have “best player available” luxury. Hell, we didn’t have it 2 years ago when we drafted three receivers in the 2nd round, despite needing linemen THEN.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
It's being reported Bengals kept Mike Zimmer
And Jim Hastlett, who interviewed yesterday for DC, is the lead candidate/prospect now.
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
Jim Hastlett
is he another one of those bend-but-don’t-break guys? Or balls to the wall, go get ’em?
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
I got my homework assignment for my next post
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
that doesn't mean my next post will be tomorrow
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Dang
Link? I had a feeling they would really want to keep him. And with the emotional toll that has accompanied this season for Zimmer, I doubted he would be in a hurry to leave.
Link
http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/01/12/bengals-retain-defensive-coordinator-zimmer/
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
Then I like the idea of going after Rivera.
Not crazy about Hazlitt. Can’t put my finger on it, though.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
The plan should also include:
1. No more trading draft picks
2. No more trading draft picks
3. Don’t try to rebuild in one year. It is going to take at least two drafts, there are too many needs
4. Draft at least one OL and DL every year
My thoughts.
1) Defensive Football- I agree completely with you here. Hard-hitting defensive football has been the backbone of the modern Redskins. A playmaker – someone who may also allow LaRon Landry shine as a SS(Blitz!) – would be the perfect addition to our highly ranked defense. I also think that a higher-pressure oriented DC would help Rogers, Hall, and Landry all excel with their aggressive natures. We might give up more points, but we’d definitely score more points on D too.
2) Offensive Line- Hard not to agree with this one. Two things convince me that we do not necessarily need to address it with our 4th overall pick: 1) The OL draft class is being regarded as mediocre, but deep. 2) One of Shanahan’s specialties has been offensive line blocking, and he knows what qualities to look for in a lineman to fit his scheme. In a deep class, I have no doubt that Shanahan could find starting linemen in the 2nd, 3rd (if we trade), or 4th rounds.
3) SLB- I agree. Not sure who fits the bill though. Depends on who the DC is comfortable with.
4) Trading Santana Moss - I can’t agree with this. While he might hold the best trade value on our team, he is a prototype slot receiver. Trading Moss and releasing ARE (I agree with) would leave our team with no slot receivers. As I’ve posted, a Thomas—-OLine-Cooley—-Moss——Kelly(or Marshall) corps would fit the Shanahan’s scheme and accentuate each players’ strengths.
5) Release ARE - Agree. But can’t do this and #4.
6) RFK - I don’t care. I don’t get to come to games anyways.
7) QB/RB - This also makes sense. There will be some talent in the mid rounds, and we will probably need a backup QB (or backup backup QB) if Todd Collins retires. I really like Jonathan Dwyer as a one-cut back in Portis’ mold to fit into the zone blocking scheme as Brian Billick outlines here: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-playbook/09000d5d80aec9cf/Billick-on-Denver-s-zone-blocking-scheme
8) 2 TE’s - I think he will. Cooley and Davis have showcased their talent enough this year to get on the field a lot next year.
9) Gray - I haven’t really seen a lot of him. Up to Shanahan to decide for me.
10) Throwbacks- I like the idea of having a transformation of the team. Snyder would probably love the idea of jersey revenues. I like these throwbacks a lot more though.
you're obviously just trying to pad your comments stats
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
+1
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jan 12, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
+1
for recognizing who truly wields the power.
I’m trying to think of another way to spice up the HH Laugh posts for the month, so keep ’em coming.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
yeeeeaa
some of the things you guys come up with I would not feel comfortable with having on the internet, with my voice on it.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
I can buy that.
Shame Axel Rose sobered up, though. They were great when he was a wreaking boozer.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Those throwbacks look too much like Florida State
by CarverM on Jan 12, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
uniforms
i have also thought new uniforms would be great but im thinking a total redesign give us a new identity, only keep the logo and redesign the whole thing.
Let's not forget...FedEx field flaws...
I feel this is something that is overlooked and should definitely be part of the Redskins Overhaul. FedEx needs a complete makeover. Just to name a few:
1. Double the size of the jumbotron. I mean, really?!?! We are the only team in the NFL with monitors the size of Escalade headrest units. Take out the advertising in the middle and get rid of the 1970’s digital scoreboard. Make that all one big jumboscreen. Funny note: I love how they “digitize” the screen during december with pixilated holly leaves in the corner and snow on the Redskins name. Graphics straight out of Atari.
2. Kill the commercials during commercial breaks! It’s unbelievable to me that this even happens. If I wanted to watch Empire Today or Harris Teeter commercials, I would stay home. How about showing some sort of video montage that gets the players (and fans) fired up for the upcoming play?
3. Again, are we the only team in the NFL that doesnt have video monitors around the ring of the stadium? You know what I mean? Right now we have those advertising boards that flip over every 5 minutes or so. Terrible. Replace those outdated numbers with some bada$$ digital screens showing fire & brimstone & indians throwing spears…WHATEVER! Whoever is in charge has no idea of what it takes to amp up a crowd or team…
4. Beat it “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Make some Noise, Make Noise” tracks. I cant tell you how many times I’ve considered puncturing my eardrums just so I dont have to listen to those loops again. Quite possibly the lamest attempt of getting the stadium riled up in all of professional sports…
There’s more, but you catch my drift. You would think that with the Redskins being one of the most profitable sports franchises in THE WORLD, we could invest some money in making our stadium somewhat current. I didnt want to mention this, but right down the street is M&T Bank Stadium. They got it going on. If you’ve ever been to that stadium for a game, you know what I mean. EVERYTHING that goes on during the game(s) is 100% focused on the team and creating energy. Executives at FedEx field should start there with their note taking…
On a postive note, the video is somwhat
better than watching an infinite Pong loop. Only marginally, though.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
100% agreed
Our scoreboard looks like a Lite-Brite, and that clip from “cha cha slide” with the clapping is similar to Ken’s DVD looping analogy as far as annoyance.
wait
you tellin’ me you don’t like to cha-cha real smoove?
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Agree on the screens, but...
you obviously haven’t been to Qualcomm. I live in San Diego now, and Qualcomm is definitely worse. Not saying this is an excuse, just saying.
and for the love of god a REAL out of town scoreboard
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
in the words of ScottE
“one the size of the Jefferson Memorial”
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
San Diego's monitors are CRAP!
And they hold superbowls!!!!!
And their ring of honor is a cloth banner they hang up for game day!!!
I am surprised they are not holding next week’s game in LA!!!!
New Uniforms
The retro uniforms are just that. Old and retro and done. I don’t like the gold helmets and gold pants or the FSU-looking unis either.
We’ve got a new head coach, new general manager and a new start. Let’s start with a whole new look on uniforms!! The ones we’re using from 1979 to now are sooo outdated…
I don't have a problem with our current uniforms
but I do think that most attempts to make “modern” uniforms are failures.
Burgundy?
Come on Zorn!
Of course we only think those uniforms are ugly because we always get embarassed when we wear them.
There is a lot of association going on with those unis
if not just bad Karma.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
my reaction to your plan
1) yes
2) yes but don’t be afriad to trade down for picks – just because we have the #4 pick doesn’t mean we have to use it.
3) yes, our LB corps is thin and Orakpo should be playing DE in our 4-3 defense.
4) I’m ok with this if he doesn’t fit into Shanahans plans. I suspect he’s frustrated and it is limiting his productivity.
5) yes, he’s just not productive enough.
6) ???? OK, I live nowhere near DC so idk either way.
7) yes and keep doing it until you get the right guy. Even if we have to draft late round QBs for several years it is much better than breaking the salary cap on a high 1st round draft pick unless the guy is another Peyton Manning.
8) absolutely!
9) I really don’t know much about Gray
10) Ugh, boy those uniforms are hideous! No way!
great post
first time on site and I agree with this article completely…Playing the Cowboys at RFK would be stellar (don’t worry danny boy you could sell tickets at double the price). The bowl game between UCLA and Temple at RFK brought it all back for me…I want more
i agree
1. i think we need to start looking at replacing fletch as well. honestly, our linebacking core needs some changing. that and secondary..2 players away from being GREAT on that front.
2. disagree with trading moss. put his as in the slot immediately. moss versus linebackers, who would win? marshell and DT. very special core right there… Monk, clark, sanders like. shanahan could implement a 2 TE packagae but then we will completely go against his philosophy of running the ball first. i do believe in having to many weapons and egoes, but that would be hot. we would be the 2008 poor mans patriots
by back_to_the_future on Jan 12, 2010 3:48 PM EST reply actions
The linebackers obviously
moss versus linebackers, who would win?
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Plus a zone block scheme would help
make Cooley and Davis more effective blockers IMO.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Replacing, no
but definitely need to have the next generation itching to get off the bench when their number is called. Right now, as Sugar pointed out, Robert Henson and HB Blades are the next generation, and while serviceable backups, they won’t cut it.
Rocky Mac is a hugely underrated and overlooked player. He was healthy all year and quietly had his best year as a Redskin. 94 tackles, which was 4th on the team behind London, Landry, and Doughty, forced 2 fumbles and got 2 interceptions.
It's hard to say whether H.B. Blades is the replacement for Fletcher.
Since Fletch has been so damn consistent. I think H.B. has the skillset and now the tutoring to jump in when the time comes, and I don’t want to judge him based on his performance at SLB.
I'm willing to wait till it happens
To see how H.B. fares than to bring in replacement anytime soon.
ehhh small linebackers usually struggle in 3-4
need to take on guards too much. He is especially right about the LB corp. when you remember that Rocky is FA so we can’t even count on him being back. He’ll probably be a RFA so we can tender him but there is no guarantee we will even have him.
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 3:11 AM EST up reply actions
An RFK
game would bring tears to my eyes. Man it would be nice to actually have a home field advantage. I would also be in favor of a uniform change. Frankly, I’m surprised Snyder hasn’t done this already. He would probably double his jersey sales.
As for the draft, I can’t say this enough – PLEASE don’t get a safety. Polamalu, Reed, Sean Taylor – NONE of those guys were drafted as high as 4th. (OK, Taylor was close) THat’s because you get lucky with safeties as much as anything. We thought we had a game changer in Landry. Actually, on 2nd thought, I guess we did. Too bad he changes the game in the wrong way. Anyway, my point is, we have WAY too many holes to fill to worry about safety, where we already have starters (and backups) penciled in.
I say if we can land Okung, we do it. (Unless of course Suh is still somehow available) Otherwise we get Davis. If we could somehow trade down and still end up with Bruce Campbell, I’d jump on that. It would be nice to get back into the 3rd round. Other than those three, and maybe Gerald McCoy, I would rather see us take (UGH!!) Claussen than anyone else. None of the QB’s excite me, but I can definitely see a new regime wanting to start fresh with a new QB. And, if that happens, Claussen is the only one who wouldn’t bring me to tears. Bradford is just too brittle.
I would trade Moss for a 2nd or 3rd in an instant. Thomas is ready to be #1, and I really think MK can be a solid #2 if given the chance. Remember, we’re gonna have a legitimate NFL coach, who knows how to use personnel.
I too dream about having the most devastating two tight end set in history. Short of that, I would hope that Shanny at least explores implementing the H back position into his offense. He could do away with the fullback.
PLEASE CUT ARE
As for the defensive staff – my only request is we hire someone aggressive. I am SO tired of this “keep the play in front of you” crap. I want to adopt a “keep the play FROM HAPPENING mantra.” To that end, maybe Gray would prefer G Williams’ style over G. Blache’s. I would hope so. If not, sayonara . I won’t miss anyone from this coaching staff. Although, I am still curious about Olivadatti. I remember G. Williams lapping praise on K.O., saying he reminded him a lot of himself when he was younger. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a guy succeed who we raised?
NO ONE has told me that Okung
is a good fit for Shanny’s O-line scheme/player type. Until that question is answered with a yes, Okung is a waste of time and of a high draft pick when in fact we need to trade down for more picks.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Okung
I have no idea what type of player Okung is as I have never seen him play but as for the type of lineman Shanny will be looking for they need to have good lateral quickness and be strong at the point of attack and very athletic. Houston took Duane Brown as their left tackle 2 years ago and he was a converted TE. Ryan Clady was Shanny’s last pick at LT for Denver and he is a great athlete who has the ability to get to the second level
possibly
the test wil b how well he is able to move lateraly
I disagree with just about all of that but I'll only pick a few
We should get rid of ARE and keep Moss. Think about a WR core that boasts Thomas and Kelly on the outside and Moss in the slot. The Davis and Cooley at TE. Mitchell is the #4. Thats a formidable WR staff. Keep Moss since he is a known commodity.
Jerry Gray was the league of our most underachievingest group on the field. We had talent in the secondary and we terrible. While he may be a good soundbite, he can’t be a good secondary coach.
DO NOT DRAFT ANYTHING BUT LINEMEN FOR 3 ROUNDS> Ken, you’re last name may turn into Cerrato if you think we shouldn’t build that line first and foremost. Stop chasing the nice shiny toy. There is nobody worth the kind of money that the 4th pick is going to command so unless we trade down, at least get someone we need.
And this could be the new challenge
8) Implore Mike Shanahan to revolutionize a two tight end set – This is a fanciful wish I know. But we have two guys who can get out there and make plays from the tight end spot. That is what most people define as “a strength.” Good coaches/organizations maximize their strengths.
Change Mike to Kyle, and try this on for size
2 TE sets with a third TE as Fullback. The Redskins are blessed with Cooley, Davis and Yoder, Yoder played WR in College, so even though a strong blocker he has the ability to catch passes too.
What kind of nightmare would it cause Defenses to figure out who is lined up where, as far as the 3 TE (since each has slightly different skill sets) Know the blocking FB (TE) could also be going out for a pass…
Definitely
FBs are usually more of a recieving threat than they are a threat to run the ball anyways.
I like him.
He can catch. Sometimes he can block. I like the way he trucks and he’s good for one hurdle per game.
And he use to be a Winnipeg Blue Bomber….
don't get me wrong
I USED to love Caveman. But he dropped off big time this year. And, at 35, is he really worth bringing back, when we could potentially squeeze in more catches for Cooley and Davis?
After one bad year?
I think he’s back. He just got a new contract, he’s plenty useful if we use him the right way.
Maybe more of a conventional FB, lead blocker role rather than a pass catching option. If you remember, Sellers or whoever was at FB would often motion out of the backfield to the TE position on a lot of running plays because the line and the normal TE couldn’t do their job. Might have had an impact on Big Mike’s performance.
Yeah
but I also remember him whiffing on plenty of blocks, not to mention giving up a crucial fumble.
he struggled at times but played well on ST
and the team needs one legit FB and Yoder can be the back up.
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 3:18 AM EST up reply actions
Yoder played FB for Sellers in a couple of games
and was responsible for one of Gantham’s TDs. He’s actually one of the more versatile guys we have on this team.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
are we equating Ganther to Batman now?
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
I thought that would draw a Rekka out of the woodwork
I think the only Batman siting was just after CP took it in the noggin. I wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t gotten injured?
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
according to everybody
not a damn thing. he still wouldn’t be practicing, and would still be falling forward for 2 yards.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
I was thinking in terms of bad morale and
him outing JC for not being a leader. That type of stuff. The two yds were a give, unless only 1 was needed.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I thought the personalities were funny personally
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Which it seems he snuck up on in disguise.
Just one interpretation. Wonder if anyone spotted him at a musical lately, besides Carnivale?
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I thought the quests for man-meat
started after the alter egos came.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Some say you're born craving man-meat
but since that’s obviously wrong, when he actually started his hunt is between him and a special someone.
Did I mention he went to Michigan...
I know, just don’t hold it against him.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Holy Shit! Didn't we have a backup TE recently from Michigan?
I’m losing it big time.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Didn't he miss training camp time with a rash
or was that Dallas Sartz?
by BayAreaBullet on Jan 13, 2010 3:24 AM EST up reply actions
love the idle speculation
Shanahan’s only TE who earned his salt..was Shannon Sharpe…and he was a pass route threat every play..
the two guys we have have been woefully misused..because the O-Line cannot stop anyone…the jury remains out on what these guys can do…and that includes Cooley
A quick thought on your items
I love the idea of playing at RFK. You could probably recoup the loss in number of tickets by charging double for this game. I would pay triple to see a game there again. I was only ever able to make it to one game there (‘91 season SKins beat a game Oilers team in OT to go 10-0 on march towards super bowl) when I was 11 years old. This is one of the best ideas I’ve ever heard.
I do hate the idea of those mustard yellow retros. They are terrible unis. I’d like to see us wear the FSU style throwbacks some more or the 60s era burgundy helmet with the white feather serving as the stripe (although it may be considered offensive to Native Americans, our team’s name is already considered offensive anyways and that hasb;t changed). Maybe just mix in some gold pants with the burgundy jersey.
.
No QB in the first round, cutting ARE, and using 2 TE sets all look like great ideas to me.
Good points overall but...
1. I completely agree, I think if Okung is gone by 4 we should take Eric Berry so we address our FS need and can move landry to SS
2. Absolutely agree. no brainer need to do whatever it takes FA and Draft to shore up the OL
3. I agree but I think you don’t take it far enough. We not only need depth but I think we need a new starting OLB because Osackpo should be playing DE full time the dude weighs ten pounds more than Carter and he is our most talented pass rusher. I mean he was a part time rusher and he got 11 sacks this year!!! Imagine if our coaches weren’t retarded and put him at his natural position all the time.
4. I think instead of trading Moss we should trade either fred davis or cooley (whoever has a higher trade value right now) because honestly if we keep both we will most likely end up scquandering the talents of one of them and they will leave the team when they can and we will get no return. The situation I can most liken this too is when the Colts had both Dallas Clark and Bernard Pollard a few years back and they were both playing amazing. They traded Pollard and got a few nice picks and they signed blocking TEs who were decent pass catchers (for them Ben Utecht, for us Mike Sellers and Todd Yoder), and their TE situation is golden right now. Plus Santana Moss is really the only viable deep threat we have right now, and we could maximize his talents by putting him at punt returner.
5. Completely agree…and portis, and randy thomas, and samuels if he doesnt retire, and carlos rogers, and renaldo wynn, and todd collins
6. Hell I think Danny Boy should completely raze RFK and then build a 100,000 seat stadium over it that looks just like it. he would be able to do it as long as he bought the land of the weird construction plant or whatever thats next to the parking lot to accomadate parking
7. I definetly think Shanny should draft a late round RB thats his forte, but I’m not so sure about QB. If he determines that he wants to cut Colt Brennan and not coach him up then he should go ahead and do it, but I think we should keep Campbell as starter have a solid veteran back up and then either colt or some project QB shanny drafts
8. Nope too wishful, plus it makes more sense to trade one of our great pass catching tight ends for picks so we can address our needs better (OL, FS, CB, OLB)
9. I agree. Even with blatche’s stupid non blitzing schemes that set up our DBs for failure Grey was able to coach up his personnel and we had the top pass defense for a while. I would love to keep him but if shanny decides to let him go I’m fine with that because its a new regime and all.
10. I think you are on to something, but I think this would be the best idea ever: How about we wear the really dark burgundy throwback uniforms with the spears on the helmets at home and then on the road we wear the white and yellow throwbacks with the curly R and yellow helmet. It would be complete overhaul of our uniforms and I always liked the spear helmet uniforms better plus the burgundy color seems more homey and redskins-ish than a white and yellow uniform.
Overall I agree with most of your post Sugar, and I think you did a nice job, but I feel that some of your measures don’t go far enough and I’m really at odds with trading Santana Moss instead of one of our pass catching tight ends.
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 12, 2010 9:16 PM EST reply actions
WAIT I MADE A MISTAKE
the TE the colts had was marcus pollard, not bernard pollard.
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 12, 2010 9:22 PM EST up reply actions
Trade both TEs
if they both get you a starter anywhere along the O-Line..Tackle Guard or Center
And draft a TE?
Seems rather circuitous and for maybe a net loss rather than gain. Not sure what’s driving your thinking here.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
The DC Armory??
land of the weird construction plant or whatever thats next to the parking lot to accomadate parking
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Awesome post
Love the opening paragraph and agree with all 10 ideas…especially 2,5,6,7,8,9
Haslitt as D-Coordinator
I think Haslitt has a record of being a loyal and dedicated coach. As long as he works within Shanahan’s plans and gets Orakpo and Haynesworth firing I think we’ll be golden. Retro jersey’s are a must.
d line rfas
any free agent with less than 6 yeas of nfl service will be a restricted free agent unless they get a new collective bargaining agreement in place before free agency starts, and that seems very unlikely. this would include i believe alexander, golston and monty so if we decide to let any of them leave we would be compensated with draft picks
Number 11?
To piggyback on the uniform/visible change of culture item, what would you guys (by the way, just stumbled on this blog, and am enjoying the comments) say to a karma-shifting name change? The stink of the last few years is making me think about it pretty seriously. I mean, I had to agree to not be racist just to post this comment on a “Redskins” blog. Kind of weird. Sorry, this is my first post. I’m sure this is one of those “don’t go there” discussion topics that crops up every once in a while, gets talked to death, reaches the same stalemate as always, and then goes away again after everybody agrees that the argument wasn’t worth it, BUT… I’d be fine with a name change at this point if it coincided with a general feeling of goodwill (hopefully combined with some wins) instead of the awful self-loathing and dread I now experience as a Redskins fan for reasons mostly unrelated to the name. And also it would make my girlfriend more likely to want to root for the team. Let’s change the name. To Bullets.
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