Redskins new look?

[Joey T]

Here's the link:

http://www.freelancestar.com/News/FLS/2004/032004/03142004/1296484

Grant Paulsen's column

Date published: 3/14/2004

THE DUST IS finally beginning to settle after yet another patented Washington Redskins free-agent spending spree.

The Redskins kept their four-year streak of dominating early offseason headlines alive, this time by bringing in a handful of new starters and several more reserves in an effort to add depth. They are unquestionably more talented today than they were two weeks ago, but every Redskins' fan knows by now that it takes more than good players to be a winner. Football is about being mentally prepared, creating a game plan and executing it on Sunday.

However, while player acquisitions are controlling the news, they aren't going to be the key factor in the 'Skins' rejuvenation. If the Redskins are going to turn around what has been a dreadful last four seasons, the resurgence is going to have to start on the sidelines. Enter legendary coach Joe Gibbs and several of his friends.

The well-traveled teachers on Gibbs' hand-picked staff have all enjoyed major success in football at some level, and the majority have had fruitful careers in the NFL.

The second Gibbs regime to roam the sidelines in D.C. is made up of 20 coaches, who when combined boast well over 250 years of NFL experience. Of the knowledgeable instructors Gibbs hired to guide the Redskins next season, seven are returning from his original staff, which won three world championships and four conference titles in its 12-year reign of power.

Among the seven returning coaches from the Redskins' glory years is assistant Joe Bugel, a good friend of Gibbs'. Bugel was the first coach Gibbs called when he decided to return. He's best-known for coaching the 'Skins' offensive line during the '80's. It was then that he was credited with orchestrating the dominant front-line known as "The Hogs," to this day considered the finest offensive line the league has ever seen.

Bugel, named assistant head coach of the offense, brings 26 years of NFL experience to the table. The thought of him working with the talent and depth the Redskins have on their offensive line is enough to get fans giddy. Regardless of who is throwing the ball this season, one thing is for certain--they shouldn't have to worry about picking themselves up off of the ground too often.

The 2004 Redskins will have very little in common with the underachieving teams you have seen in the past few years under Steve Spurrier. Offensively they will emphasize different aspects of the game, and rather than relying on the passing game to accumulate yards, Gibbs' offense will move the chains on the ground.

Defensively, new coordinator Gregg Williams will stress rotating defensive lineman and using creativity to get them into the backfield and near the quarterback.

The most important difference you will notice next season, however, won't be on the field. Unlike in previous years, coaches will be working round the clock, camping out in meeting rooms and analyzing film well into the morning.

Next season the 'Skins will be as mentally prepared as any team in football. That's something that couldn't have been said all that often last season.

GRANT PAULSEN is a 15-year-old sportswriter who lives in King George County. He hosts a talk show each Saturday on XM radio. His column appears each Sunday in The Free Lance-Star.

Not bad analagy for a 15 year old, or any of us;)

[SlinginSammy HOF '63]