After waking up at 2 am to watch another horrendous effort by my beloved Redskins I was disappointed and left wondering what went wrong and how could it be this bad. Then 24 hours later after a full night's sleep and some thought, I think we all need to put down the emotional pitchforks and recognize things aren't as bad as we think, but they aren't as good as they can be.

First things first, the last two games have been the epitome of misery for any Redskins fan. I will not take away from that fact, however I do think we need to take a deep breath and think about a few things. I blame the lack of anything remotely close to resembling effort against the Steelers on the crushing loss to the Giants three weeks ago. And the loss to the Panthers; still reeling from the previous two weeks, these are not excuses, if anyting, these are signs of a very young team, a team that hasn't been through the crucible and learned to forget about last week. Look at the starting line up and think about how many of these guys are rookies, sophmores and 3rd year players. We're talking about Trent Williams as an elite LT, but how many years does he have in the league? Five years ago the Redskins were one of the oldest teams in the NFL. What are they now? One of the youngest? And guess what comes with youth? Inexperience. Someone tell me how many years Elway, Theisman and Peyton Manning were in the league before they won the Super Bowl?



Now let's talk about systems theory. A system of systems, which is what a football team is now, an organization of teams from the players, to the coaches, to the medical staff to the defensive front seven, the linebackers, the defensive backfield, safeties, to the oline, the running backs, receiver corps, the QB and special teams. Every group I've mentioned effects every other group I've mentioned. When Orackpo went down, it affected the CBs and the safeties and the offensive coordinator. Why? You know this already. When the defense doesn't generate a pass rush, DBs are exposed, so they have to play off more. Safeties can't creep up because they have to help cover receivers. When the defense can't get off the field, the OC has to change his play calling to make up for having less time to score which means more pass plays are called and then throw in the fact that your #1 deep threat is nursing a ruptured tendon in his foot, and all of the sudden your offense can't stay on the field. This is systems theory. Two injuries have hurt this team, Orakpo and Garcon. Now the systems have to relearn how to function without them and that takes time. As in weeks and/or months. But there is one loss that the systems still haven't gotten over. That's why no one is wearing the hallowed #21. Think for a minute how the loss of Sean has affected this team. Landry never was able to do what he was brought in to do. The entire D backfield has been plagued with inconsistency ever sense. The Linebackers haven't been able to run wild without fear and the CBs have always been looking for help over top. RIP Sean Taylor, we miss you and now it is time we truly honor you. There are very few Sean Taylors in this world, I know that, I've been a fan of the U since elementary school, going on 30 years now. I was heartbroken when Jimmy Johnson left for Dallas. Still haven't forgiven him for that. But it is time to draft a #21 and honor his memory.



Finally, let's talk about the intermmediate memory loss of all NFL fans. How many times has Tom Coughlin been on the hot seat in NY? Anyone remember their win-loss record the year they went on a tear and Eli won his first Super Bowl? They went into their bye week with a lossing record, I think. Heck, last year, they were convinced the season was over after they lost to our Redskins with Rex under center. Three guesses as to what happened next? Tiller, Parks, Kevin and Ken, you not allowed to answer. Another question for you, anyone remember what we all identified as the biggest need in the 2012 draft? How about this, how many INTs did the Rex throw last year compared to RGIII this year? Draft 2012, we all wanted a QB and oline. Well, what did we get? RGIII, three oline who are developing behind a decent starting oline that has a ROOKIE 6TH ROUND DRAFT PICK who is on pace to rush for over 1000 yards. Fire Shanahan? Are you sure about that? No, I didn't like the comment about evaluating for 2013, if it was anything other than a motivation comment, then it might indicate a truely significant problem or it may just be frustration in the heat of the moment. But let's wait and see what happens after the Bye before we make that conclusion. As a matter of fact, before we call Dan and demand a new coaching staff, let's think back over the last several years, from Zorn to Shanahan. Think about the draft picks, FA signings and the players we've let go. Think about what happened last year to the offense when we lost Trent and Fred to suspension. Think about how good Kerrigan played when Rac was on the other side. Think about what our offense looked like with Pierre 100%. Oh and someone tell me how long it took Andre Johnson to become a force for Houston? Hankerson and Robinson are sophmores. And don't forget Richard Crawford and Chase Minniefield. I seem to remember Niles and Logan producing some good yardage at TE against the Panthers as well..



Five years, guys, Five years. That's what Shanahan predicted and by my count there are still two years left. Ironically, in 2015, which is the end of his original rebuild timeline is the same year the Redskins will have their next 1st Round draft pick. 2013 draft prediction? I'll let Mike and Bruce make those decisions. I know the Giants game hurt and the next two games sucked, but it ain't over yet. Ask the NY Giants, hell, ask the San Francisco Giants. I know this was long and I didn't have any technically superior X and O analysis like UK does, but I hope you found it useful. I know you'll let me know. HTTR!