bubba9497 Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Gibbs: Ramsey Has 'Terrific Future' Redskins Coach Explains Quarterback Arrangement With Brunell Aboard By Nunyo Demasio Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, February 22, 2004; Page E01 http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A60750-2004Feb21?language=printer INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 21 -- Coach Joe Gibbs arrived here Friday for his first scouting combine since retiring in 1993 to help the Washington Redskins evaluate roughly 330 prospects for the April draft. However, there is one position that Gibbs doesn't plan to focus on: quarterback. Gibbs addressed the media Saturday and spoke about a range of issues, including the start of his first minicamp, the club's approach to the draft and the future of cornerback Champ Bailey. Gibbs spent much of his session insisting that the Redskins will not trade quarterback Patrick Ramsey regardless of any request through his agent. "Patrick has a terrific future" with the Redskins, Gibbs said. Thursday, the Redskins reached a seven-year, $43 million agreement -- including an $8.6 million signing bonus -- with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell. After Gibbs's pursuit of Brunell became public two weeks ago, Ramsey's agent, Jimmy Sexton, said he would seek a trade if the Redskins acquired the 33-year-old. Gibbs was part of a dinner meeting Friday night with Sexton, owner Daniel Snyder and vice president Vinny Cerrato, according to a source with intimate knowledge of the discussions. The Redskins conveyed to Sexton that Ramsey would not be traded. Even if Sexton continues to make demands, Gibbs doesn't plan on budging. "The assumption he's not playing," Gibbs said, "is a bad assumption." Gibbs insists that there will be an open competition beginning with the opening of minicamp on March 26. Saturday, Brunell echoed Gibbs's contention. "Nothing is guaranteed except the opportunity to compete," said Brunell, who was replaced last year by rookie Byron Leftwich after starting in Jacksonville for eight years. "It's something new for me. With Patrick, I can certainly understand where he's coming from. I went through it last year in reverse. "I respect Patrick a lot as a player -- his toughness and leadership. I hear he's a great guy and I'm looking forward to working with him and making the quarterback position a strength." Gibbs believes a team needs two reliable quarterbacks, an approach he used to win three Super Bowls. "You can't go in there and say if you have one person hurt you're up a creek," Gibbs said. "To me, that really can destroy a team." Since pursuing Brunell, Gibbs has had several long talks with Ramsey to explain the club's approach to the quarterback position. The Redskins have financial incentive to keep Ramsey because his contract gives them flexibility to pursue free agents in the offseason. (Next season, Ramsey will cost only $1.64 million against the salary cap.) Gibbs said he isn't surprised that Ramsey has become an issue after previously being involved in "eight or nine" quarterback controversies. Gibbs half-jokingly pointed out that players have a longer average NFL career (four years) than coaches (2.5). "What's paramount to me is the football team," Gibbs said. New York Giants General Manager Ernie Accorsi predicts that the Brunell-Ramsey combination could eventually benefit the Redskins. "Washington had the greatest example," Accorsi said. "I remember it like it was yesterday." Accorsi recalled the day in 1971 when he heard on the radio that then-Redskins coach George Allen had traded for quarterback Billy Kilmer. The Redskins already had Sonny Jurgensen, who had been the NFL's top quarterback in 1969 with 3,102 passing yards; in 1970, Jurgensen led the Redskins with 23 touchdowns (and 10 interceptions). Jurgensen was injured after Kilmer joined the team but Kilmer kept the job, and led the Redskins in passing from 1971 to 1973. Jurgensen became the starter in 1974 and led the NFL in passing. Then from 1975 to 1977, Kilmer was the club's starter and leading passer. "When I first heard the trade I'm saying to myself, 'Why? He's got Jurgensen!' " Accorsi remembered, chuckling. "Kilmer is the guy that ends up taking them to the Super Bowl [after the 1972 season when the Redskins lost to the Dolphins, 14-7]. And Jurgensen ended up in the Hall of Fame." Washington's other major issue is Bailey, whom the Redskins named their franchise player on Wednesday. The Redskins have given Bailey permission to seek a trade after he initially turned down a nine-year, $55 million deal that included a tiered bonus of $14.75 million. What will happen with Bailey? "We're not sure," Gibbs said. "We're committed to keeping him with us or getting proper value." Gibbs said that six teams showed interest in acquiring Bailey. (The Detroit Lions have been the most public about their intentions.) According to an NFL source with knowledge of the situation, at least three teams are prepared to give Bailey his financial requirement. The complication arises with Washington's demands, which one NFL team executive who requested anonymity described as exorbitant. The Redskins have asked for a first-round pick, second-round pick and perhaps a player, the source said, and Bailey's situation may not be resolved unless Washington reduces its asking price. A trade would help the Redskins obtain more picks for the draft. Because Washington will give up a third-rounder for Brunell, the club is left with only three selections -- in the first (No. 5 overall), second (No. 41) and fifth rounds. The Redskins' approach in the draft, Gibbs said, won't be geared purely on need or the best available player. Gibbs -- who views Ladell Betts as a third-down tailback -- will consider selecting a starting runner in the draft. According to two league sources, the Redskins are not interested in unhappy Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn X Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 This Sexton guy cracks me up. He actually thinks he can force Washington's hand. He can do nothing of the sort. Ramsey signed a contract and is under wraps. Case closed. However, Ramsey himself could try to force Washington's hand by showing up at training camp and doing a prima donna routine. And if Ramsey is so childish as to resort to such tactics, then I don't want him on the team anymore anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Full Monty Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 Gibbs -- who views Ladell Betts as a third-down tailback -- will consider selecting a starting runner in the draft. Wow. Guess that was a wasted #2 pick if Gibbs doesn't see him as a featured runner. Also, if like everyone else it seems, Betts appeared to be the most promising of our backs, and Gibbs has him as the 3rd down back, then say goodbye to Trung and Sultan, and Morton'll be goin back to kick returning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC4 Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 According to two league sources, the Redskins are not interested in unhappy Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon. YES!!!! :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I thought Lenny the Hut was at this dinner too! Sounded that way from his article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbooma Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I smell KJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbooma Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 "What's paramount to me is the football team," Gibbs said. This is the quote everyone should care about. Translation = no player is bigger then this team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian Hog Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I thought Lenny the Hut was at this dinner too! Sounded that way from his article. He was. They were tossing scraps on the floor while Pasta would go fetch them. As far as Patrick goes, the majority of the members here at Extreme, including myself, have been praising his class all season long, and have been saying that his attitude is so refreshing in the modern day NFL. With that being said, why would anybody start questioning and doubting #11 guy now? He's not going to throw a fit and start crying. He's going to be a man about it and be the ultimate team player whether he wins the starting job or not. Unless my memory is shot to hell, I don't remember PR complaining once on the sideline as a result of the poor protection he received all season long. His character and class have been tested already and he's passed with flying colours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destino Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by jbooma I smell KJ HELLZ YEAH!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted February 22, 2004 Author Share Posted February 22, 2004 "The assumption he's not playing," Gibbs said, "is a bad assumption." :notworthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drex Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Cory Dillon just doesnt seem to be the type of player Gibbs would covet for the starting tailback position and I am happy that we will not be pursuing him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidPennSkin Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by Sarge I thought Lenny the Hut was at this dinner too! Sounded that way from his article. It's interesting that the Post said that Gibbs and Cerrato were at the dinner meeting with Sexton, in addition to Snyder. Lenny the Hut didn't mention that when he gave his "eyewitness report" spin on the meeting. Maybe he wasn't there after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted February 22, 2004 Author Share Posted February 22, 2004 According to two league sources, the Redskins are not interested in unhappy Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon. But, but... Inmate said Ms. Cleo said we ere going after Dillion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC4 Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by MidPennSkin It's interesting that the Post said that Gibbs and Cerrato were at the dinner meeting with Sexton, in addition to Snyder. Lenny the Hut didn't mention that when he gave his "eyewitness report" spin on the meeting. Maybe he wasn't there after all. Thats because they probally sent a dozen or so pizzas to Lenny's hotel room and thus, he never made it to the dinner :rotflmao: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMac Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I think after this dinner, the only thing Sexton can do to his client is assure him that he does NOT start. Gibbs said its an open competition right now but if they keep up this rhetoric through the media than Im sure it will make Gibbs decision easier and I personally will be all for Brunell starting. Sexton has NO leverage here and using Samuels would be foolish. Everyone is replaceable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 But, but... Inmate said Ms. Cleo said we ere going after Dillion. Show me in a thread where Miss Cleo said the Redskins are going after Corey Dillon. She just called me from a cantina in Dry Gulch, Mexico and I just talked to her and she denies it. :laugh: She said she has recently been dating Pancho Villa's son who owns a chain of Taco Bell's in Dry Gulch, for those dying to hear about her social life. :mexican: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Master Jay Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Sounds like we have a coach and a unquestioned leader.:coach: Our players are lucky to be able to play for this great man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 What is revealing about this article is that it confirms that the Redskins offered Bailey a $14.75 million signing bonus but that it was "tiered." I read somewhere that 1/2 of it was a roster bonus, and therefore only 1/2 was technically fully guaranteed. If Bailey got seriously hurt, he might never see the roster bonus half. What this tells me along with a couple of other things, is that the Skins were not 100% sold on resigning Bailey. Why? Because the Skins couldn't strike a deal with Bailey since last summer, and yet sources are now saying that Jack Reale in just 48 hours at the combine has a deal in place with three other teams???? Plus the fact that the Skins made Bailey a non-exclusive franchise player (allowing him to negotiate with other teams), whereas the Raiders by contrast made Charles Woodson an exclusive franchise player (denying him permission to negotiate with other teams). Big difference. Bye Champ Bailey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 The other refreshing thing about Bailey is that numerous reports were suggesting that the Redskins will be accepting just a first round pick or less. The post article has Gibbs saying that the Redskins will either retain Bailey or get proper compensation ... I think this leans more towards the 1st , 2nd and a possible player scenario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Master Jay Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I think once Mini Camp starts and the players see how a champion does it. Champ will want to be here but if we get a deal that we cant refuse. Then so be it Champ will be an ex Redskin. I want him to stay but business is business. I wouldn't take a tiered down bonus if I saw everyone else getting fat checks. I would want my $15 Mil just like everyone else got theres. I dont think the Skins are being fair but who in the hell am I?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Originally posted by bnacpa The other refreshing thing about Bailey is that numerous reports were suggesting that the Redskins will be accepting just a first round pick or less. The post article has Gibbs saying that the Redskins will either retain Bailey or get proper compensation ... I think this leans more towards the 1st , 2nd and a possible player scenario. Football is a business, so why the blankity, blank should the Skins give Bailey away? I notice the Raiders are having a problem signing Charles Woodson too, whose agent is the more difficult Poston brothers, but Al Davis said screw them and placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Woodson. So Woodson is either going to sign again with the Raiders or he won't be playing this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 It may be simple economics ... the redskins may have realized that they need all the $$ from Bailey and pending cuts to sure up the defensive line. This is looking more and more interesting, but I am glad that Snyder didn't meet with Sexton alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 .... accidently submitted my message prematurely ... I am glad that Snyder didn't meet with Sexton alone regarding the Ramsey scenario. Hopefully now we can look to free agency for our defense and TE needs and go draft some talen on DL and RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Master Jay Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I've always like Dan Snyder I thought he got carried away a few times. Like in 2000 when he signed the 95 pro bowl team but his intentions were to give us a winner. He has taken a lot of heat for simply trying to bring us a championship. He's the owner now and Joe Gibbs is calling the shots. We go where Joe takes us. That's why Joe was there and Joe was talking. When Joe talks people listen. He's a stand up dude and you got to love him. In fact I'll drink to that.:40oz: :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Exactly .... and I think it is great that Snyder has the integrity to be upfront with Gibbs instead of meeting with Sexton and then playing messenger to Gibbs. I love what Snyder did last year in Free Agency and I think that he is really starting to be a lot smarter in his evaluations. For all the flack that he seems to get, he has already changed the NFL for the forseeable future because of his raid of the NYJ's last year. As much as Spurrier didn't pan out, many teams and GM's thought he would. That wasn't Snyder's fault. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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