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History repeats itself


SkinsHokieFan

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As we enter the 3rd year of Gibbs 2, it is clear what the plan is and how it is being executed

Shockingly, it is very similar to the plan that was used by Joe Gibbs and Bobby Bethard in the early 1980s

Bethard and Gibbs built the 1982 Superbowl team on FA's, and castaways. The team had a record 26 free agents when it won the Superbowl. Guys like Jeff Bostic, and Joe Jacoby were not drafted by the Redskins. But they did become part of the core that would be in Washington for a decade

The Redskins then were able to utilize the draft to build long term depth. 12th rounders like Clint Didier, and mid rounders like Gary Clark produced big for the Redskins. I am sure older guys remember better then I do, but in the 80s the Redskins never entered the draft looking to fill "needs" The Redskins entered the draft looking for strong character guys with athletic abilty that could be molded into Redskins and produce down the line

Well history is repeating itself. The first offseason the Redskins filled several needs via FA. Shawn Springs, Cornellius Griffin, Marcus Washington are the core of our defense. Clinton Portis was acquired via a trade as was Mark Brunell. All of our "big" needs were filled via the FA route. That draft we were able to add Sean Taylor and Chris Cooley

In 2005 it continued as we added Casey Rabach through FA, filling a vital need. The Moss trade, bringing in David Patten, all outside of the organization

In the draft we once again worked on long term depth. We had a starting corner in Walt Harris, but drafted another corner in Carlos Rogers. Jason Campbell was drafted for the future, guys like Nemo Broughton and Robert McCune were brought in

This plan worked real well in the early 80s, because there was coaching stability, which we will have for the next few years. The same coaching staff, the same veteran core, needs filled via FA, and the draft brought in guys who produced a few years later

It is a beautiful thing folks as the Redskins continue to build into a team that contends year in and year out

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Excellent post and I agree with you 100%. The game definitely has not passed Gibbs by as the media would like to have you think. He came back for a reason, to take an organization in turmoil, and to turn it into a superbowl contender for years to come. The puzzle is almost complete and this is a team who should be able to go on a strong 7 to 8 year run, (hopefully longer), just like in the 80's.

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Yes, only time will tell if this approach is still valid in the salary cap era. It's starting to look like the team will be able to get enough flexibility out of the cap to build through FA. Also, you mention McCune and Nemo, but there is no evidence that these guys will ever contribute. If Sean Taylor is locked up, you would have to be very disapointed with the draft record of Gibbs II. Hopefully we land some impact players in this year's draft.

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As we enter the 3rd year of Gibbs 2, it is clear what the plan is and how it is being executed

Shockingly, it is very similar to the plan that was used by Joe Gibbs and Bobby Bethard in the early 1980s

Bethard and Gibbs built the 1982 Superbowl team on FA's, and castaways. The team had a record 26 free agents when it won the Superbowl. Guys like Jeff Bostic, and Joe Jacoby were not drafted by the Redskins. But they did become part of the core that would be in Washington for a decade

The Redskins then were able to utilize the draft to build long term depth. 12th rounders like Clint Didier, and mid rounders like Gary Clark produced big for the Redskins. I am sure older guys remember better then I do, but in the 80s the Redskins never entered the draft looking to fill "needs" The Redskins entered the draft looking for strong character guys with athletic abilty that could be molded into Redskins and produce down the line

Well history is repeating itself. The first offseason the Redskins filled several needs via FA. Shawn Springs, Cornellius Griffin, Marcus Washington are the core of our defense. Clinton Portis was acquired via a trade as was Mark Brunell. All of our "big" needs were filled via the FA route. That draft we were able to add Sean Taylor and Chris Cooley

In 2005 it continued as we added Casey Rabach through FA, filling a vital need. The Moss trade, bringing in David Patten, all outside of the organization

In the draft we once again worked on long term depth. We had a starting corner in Walt Harris, but drafted another corner in Carlos Rogers. Jason Campbell was drafted for the future, guys like Nemo Broughton and Robert McCune were brought in

This plan worked real well in the early 80s, because there was coaching stability, which we will have for the next few years. The same coaching staff, the same veteran core, needs filled via FA, and the draft brought in guys who produced a few years later

It is a beautiful thing folks as the Redskins continue to build into a team that contends year in and year out

Well for Jacoby....., and later Lachey,..... Gibbs was criticized for going after linemen...but, it all worked out. So, today what's similar is...... things happening that fans don't understand. But......It'll all work out.

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Also remember that it is still about evauluating talent. So far I think the staff has done a very good job at bringing in high quality people. Also I think the staff has not overpaid (except for Brunell) for the FA players that have joined the team.

That is a good point

So far every single move this staff has made, sans Micheal Barrow, has paid off immensely

Moss, Portis, Springs, Griffin, lots of people around the NFL had doubts about how well they would do here

Marcus Washington is going to become a superstar on our D. Casey Rabach helped anchor the line this past season

And over the long haul we will see guys like McCune, Broughton, Campbell, Molinara start to come in and fill some more spots for us

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Well, as an "older guy", ;) I agree with the post and toss out an "atta boy" as well. This is something some have to keep in mind around here. There is a formula that Joe and crew have used and use and it has a proven record of success. After this past season, you can see that the formula works now as well. A healthy mix of FA's and draft picks works very well. Keep this thread in mind come late April. :)

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