bubba9497 Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Lack of Bargains Leads to Basement By Sally Jenkins Saturday, February 28, 2004; Page D01 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13492-2004Feb27.html The Redskins are playing the circle game again, preparing for yet another overhaul of the roster and free agent binge. I guess that means we can dispense with the notion that the Redskins are one of the most talented teams in the league, only in need of some firm coaching. As the Redskins complete the trade of Champ Bailey for Clinton Portis and get ready to pursue a slew of highly valued free agents, what remains to be seen is whether anything will really change. The Redskins have had big offseasons before and little has been accomplished by them. In five years of splashy deal-making, they have yet to prove that an NFL franchise built on blockbuster free agents and trades can do better than 8-8, and wind up back where it started. A team that just three years ago had Brad Johnson at quarterback and Stephen Davis at running back, is about to mortgage itself once again in order to bring in . . . a veteran starting quarterback and a premier running back? Does this strike anyone else as utterly absurd? Meantime, New England has proved that you can win two Super Bowls in three years with role players, late-round draft picks and fiscal good sense. Whether this lesson has finally been learned by the Redskins' front office may well determine whether Joe Gibbs can turn the team around. Last offseason the Redskins signed 17 new players, and this offseason promises more of the same -- and potentially more of the same tail-chasing, unless Gibbs can change their philosophy and make smarter roster choices. The addition of Mark Brunell at quarterback and Portis in the backfield in exchange for Bailey and a draft pick, while intriguing, does not begin to address all of the Redskins' problems, and may even create new ones. The truth of the matter is that the Redskins entered this offseason in need of no fewer than nine new potential starters, including a safety, three defensive linemen, one, if not two, linebackers, and a tight end. That's almost half a team. With all of the constant roster upheaval, how can they still be in such dire need? What's been killing the Redskins is not lousy coaching, or lack of star power. Their free agent moves are always promising and some of them, like Laveranues Coles, are even potentially transforming. But what's killed them over the five years is their chronic inability to pick well in the later rounds of the draft, and to put together a roster of solid, dependable and cheap free agent role players around whom their handful of difference-makers can flourish. Since 1999, can you name one player the Redskins drafted after the second round who's developed into a reliable starter? The Redskins have consistently failed to find the buried late-round gems. The closest they've come is a mildly nice surprise in the fifth round, like Darnerien McCants, or promising third-rounder, Derrick Dockery. Contrast that with some of the spectacular drafts accomplished by Bobby Beathard, or even Charley Casserly, who unearthed Stephen Davis in the fourth round. Casserly left the Redskins with Johnson, Davis, Bailey, Jon Jansen, and three first-round picks that later yielded Chris Samuels and LaVar Arrington. That should have been a great nucleus to build on, by simply adding some solid role players. It's tantalizing to think of what the Redskins might have done under the sensible management the Patriots have enjoyed over the last five years. It's hard not to contrast the Redskins' frenzied annual offseason acquisitions with the more patient and less flashy philosophy that Robert Kraft and Scott Pioli have summed up in a sentence: "Great players go to Pro Bowls, great teams win championships." The Patriots make plenty of free agent moves, but they are rarely huge deals because they don't want a small percentage of players to absorb the majority of salary cap space. They made a rare exception last offseason when they signed free agents Rosevelt Colvin, Rodney Harrison and Tyrone Poole to shore up their defense. But generally, the Patriots pluck a free agent here or there, and divide the pie several different ways rather than allowing one player to account for a huge block of space. Despite the presence of 17 veteran free agents on the team in 2001, seven of whom started, their payroll was among the lowest in the league. They've succeeded in being prudent with free agent dollars and building a team that's sound on both sides of the ball but not outstanding in any one area. Result? Two rings. The Dallas Cowboys have decided that the New England blueprint is the way to go. The Cowboys last season imitated the Pats: they put together a bunch of million-dollar-a-year guys, none of them superstars, but it was a cohesive roster. Typical additions were Richie Anderson at fullback from the New York Jets, not a big name but a quality player who wound up their leading receiver and second leading rusher, tight end Dan Campbell, and linebacker Al Singleton. It's hard to see how trading Bailey will help the Redskins strengthen their roster or lend it any continuity. He's the kind of player who forces other teams to run away from him. He altered everything the opposing offense tried to do against the Redskins, and he provided teammates like Arrington with total security -- the one section of the field Arrington never had to worry about was Bailey's. The Redskins will now try to shore up their defense by going after Shawn Springs to replace Bailey, and pursuing Jevon Kearse. But if they don't get Kearse, who is there to be afraid of on the Redskins' defense now, other than Arrington? There's another potential consequence of the trade for Portis, and the acquisition of Brunell: the Redskins will have given away their second- and third-round draft picks. That probably means they now have to trade away their fifth pick overall, in exchange for more late round picks. Why? To help recover what they've yielded in the trades. Given the Redskins' recent history of unproductive late-round draft choices, this doesn't bode well. Is there hope for the Redskins? Sure. As ESPN's Len Pasquarelli has pointed out, five times in the last six seasons a team with a losing record the previous year has made the Super Bowl. New England and Carolina prove that worst-to-first scenarios are possible. But it's only possible for those teams that smartly manage the NFL's salary cap, and use fiscal adroitness to build a broad, solid base of talent. If Gibbs can figure out how to do that, he will get them on the right track. And he will end the circle game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
method man Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I hate SJ. She is a crappy writer who is probably only writing in the sports section so that the washington post does not face any heat. I am willing to bet that Sally Jenkins is the only Abe Pollin fan in the media. But if they don't get Kearse, who is there to be afraid of on the Redskins' defense now, other than Arrington? With this statement she is contradicting her whole article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweet Sassy Molassy Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Originally posted by method man But if they don't get Kearse, who is there to be afraid of on the Redskins' defense now, other than Arrington? With this statement she is contradicting her whole article. Hey Method, how about where she's talking about how horribly we've done in the draft with late round picks (i.e. 2,3, etc.), But then she says we're messing ourselves up by getting a proven player for our unproven 2nd round pick. What a dunce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potato Sack Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 :pooh: :fart: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost of Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Saly should come to me so I can put her on the street makin' money, instead of writing these hit pieces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeSkinsfaninNJ Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I hate for my first post here to be me ripping someone, but I have to do it! Just when I thought the article was garbage, she refers to Jabba the Hutt, and it was at that point I knew the article was garbage. What does she what? She says the Skins shouldn't trade their picks, but then says they've screwed up the draft. She's trying to argue both points to cover her behind! I'm also sick and tired of hearing experts saying teams have to do things the NE way, like that's the only way to win. Just because it works for one team, doesn't necessarily mean it will work for others. Also, Portis, Ramsey, Coles, Gardner, McCants, Arrington, Jansen, Smoot, Thomas and Samuels are all under 30 which is relatively young. That's not a bad young core right there. So, the team can't be making that many mistakes. That's not even adding what the 5th pick might net with a trade. I know some of those guys are free agent signings, but it's not like they've continued to go after guys like Bruce Smith, Deion, and Jeff George. On a positive note, this is a great website for Redskins fans! I need as much Redskins news and views as possible. I live in Eagle-land, and it isn't pretty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OaktonSkins/BushFan Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 How does she reconcile her criticism for spending big money on players with another thought she has questioning the wisdom of a Bailey-Portis trade? Afterall, it would take $18M SB, at the very least, to keep him long-term. So, how's that going to help us Sally? I like Ghost's suggestion - put her to work on the street. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins11 Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 What's been killing the Redskins is not lousy coaching, or lack of star power. Ok whatever Ms. Spurrier. Nothing new so far, just the usual Snyder insults she uses. Then she says: The Patriots make plenty of free agent moves, but they are rarely huge deals because they don't want a small percentage of players to absorb the majority of salary cap space. Fascinating, BUT: It's hard to see how trading Bailey will help the Redskins strengthen their roster or lend it any continuity. Interesting. Does she even know how much Roland was wanting to make? How does that help "smartly" managing the cap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris 44 Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I don't think I have ever read a piece that contradicts itself as much as this one does. Any valid point she may have made is lost in the sea of crap she spewed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins11 Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Originally posted by JoeSkinsfaninNJ I hate for my first post here to be me ripping someone, but I have to do it! Just when I thought the article was garbage, she refers to Jabba the Hutt, and it was at that point I knew the article was garbage. What does she what? She says the Skins shouldn't trade their picks, but then says they've screwed up the draft. She's trying to argue both points to cover her behind! I'm also sick and tired of hearing experts saying teams have to do things the NE way, like that's the only way to win. Just because it works for one team, doesn't necessarily mean it will work for others. Also, Portis, Ramsey, Coles, Gardner, McCants, Arrington, Jansen, Smoot, Thomas and Samuels are all under 30 which is relatively young. That's not a bad young core right there. So, the team can't be making that many mistakes. That's not even adding what the 5th pick might net with a trade. I know some of those guys are free agent signings, but it's not like they've continued to go after guys like Bruce Smith, Deion, and Jeff George. On a positive note, this is a great website for Redskins fans! I need as much Redskins news and views as possible. I live in Eagle-land, and it isn't pretty! Good points you make. As far as last season, those pickups have all been quality and young. I live in Eagle land too, but only until I graduate. The fall isn't pretty, but the offseason is - Eagles got whooped 3 years in a row!! After January it's been all gravy. And this past defeat was really really ugly, it pains people to talk about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDarb Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Sally Jenkins never disappoints. It's always the same. She's so blinded by her loathing of Dan Snyder that she can't even make a coherant argument. When Snyder is handed the Lombardi Trophy by Tagliabue and then hoists it high in triumph, she'll write a column critcizing the way he holds it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monks04 Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 He altered everything the opposing offense tried to do against the Redskins, and he provided teammates like Arrington with total security -- the one section of the field Arrington never had to worry about was Bailey's. Since Champ Bailey was so awesome and altered the opposing offense, why did we finish close to last in team defense? Who is writing this stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RavenzSuck Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I think that she is hooking up w/ Pastabelly. It is really easy for anyone to criticize off-seasons moves now since football does not start back up until Mid Summer. Hopefully she will be unemployed in the fall when our Boys are winning games because she will not have anything negative to write about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 nope its not the coaching or the players. just that short, rich, young, meddling owner... why cant everyone see that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanishomelette Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I keep hearing blaaah blaah blllaaaaaaaaahh blah in my head everytime I try to read that thing. Same Old Same Old Sally. Read it all before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF4L Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 ignorant slut Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatGuy Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 I wonder if she actually watched any games. There were more than a few games were teams would throw Smoots way (Buffalo, Atlanta come to mind) but I never saw a team shy away from Bailey last year. He was the guy teams took their shots on, I think that says all you need to know about his ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 It is clear that she has nothing meaningful to say, so instead she just spews out against Snyder. She starts praising Casserly for his draft picks ... wasn't it under Casserly when we acquired Heath Shuler, Michael Westbrook, Andre Johnson, and many many other draft busts? Then she criticizes trading down for more picks in the draft but says that we can't draft. If we couldn't draft well, wouldn't multiple picks hedge our bet? If I had to pick someone to get $hit-canned this week, it would be her instead of Herzog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 This broad should be working in their Cosmetics Department, not their Sports Dept. She forgets that Bobby Beathard traded away just about every 1st round draft pick the Skins had and many of the 2nd round picks. Over the years the only picks Beathard used in the 1st round that I can recall were for Art Monk, Darrell Green and Mark May. And of course George Allen traded away almost every high draft pick the Skins had for 3-4 years in ADVANCE. And yet the Skins under Allen and Beathard enjoyed their greatest success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 i couldn't make it past line 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savesmootsprings Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 What a load of crap, we've got a new HOF famne coach who needs to overhaul the roster coz every coach we've had since Joe Gibbs has been crap. That's why we've got to bring in high price free agents coz we have so many gaps to fill, New England has a solid team so they need to bring in a couple of players. I cant wait to the superbowl so Clinton Portis can dump all over their beloved New England Patriot's "role players" and "late round draft choices." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandies Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Originally posted by Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin Saly should come to me so I can put her on the street makin' money, instead of writing these hit pieces. Clearly an idea man. I pick Gibbs over Sally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNYC Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Isn't it obvious? Sally jenkins is sleeping with len "my belly is your waterbed baybee" pasquarelli. Duuuuuuh. :shot: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn X Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Originally posted by TheDarb Sally Jenkins never disappoints. It's always the same. She's so blinded by her loathing of Dan Snyder that she can't even make a coherant argument. When Snyder is handed the Lombardi Trophy by Tagliabue and then hoists it high in triumph, she'll write a column critcizing the way he holds it. Sally's such a dumb ho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Displaced Fan Posted February 28, 2004 Share Posted February 28, 2004 Would someone please tell her to put the pen down!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.