Commanders... a mammoth disaster in the making

[AmishGangsta]

You didn't hear any of the Washington media praising your team for rallying behind the tragedy?

Seriously?

And you think if anyone did say something like that they would be thrown out of town?

Seriously?

You have a completely different perspective of sports than I do. I consider that a very noble thing, not a crutch. I have in no way dissed your team in the comments I have made. No way at all. I was giving them credit.

That's not the part I disagree with. I know the team rallied after the incident, that much is obvious.

What I disagree with, is the assertion that the tragedy did us some kind of favor, and in not having that kind of motivational factor, it will some how hinder the team this year. It's nothing personal -- as I've seen this argument thrown around a lot, but I like debating with you, as you are pretty reasonable; that's why I responded to you.

It's a position I strongly disagree with; that's what these types of places are for, to discuss things we disagree on. (obviously you know that).

I know people write things sometimes to get fans of rival teams rilled up, that they say things sometimes that they don't actually believe. That's why I was asking what you meant by that. But as you can see their are some others who do actually believe this as fact, and that's why I decided to touch on the subject.

As far as being thrown out of town, that's just a figure of speech. But it's likely something that could ruin the reputation of a writer or broadcaster, if it were worded the wrong way.

 

[Hostile]

That's not the part I disagree with. I know the team rallied after the incident, that much is obvious.

What I disagree with, is the assertion that the tragedy did us some kind of favor, and in not having that kind of motivational factor, it will some how hinder the team this year. It's nothing personal -- as I've seen this argument thrown around a lot, but I like debating with you, as you are pretty reasonable; that's why I responded to you.

Could it hinder you? Of course it could. Is there a guarantee it will? Of course not. Could having Jason Campbell at QB instead of Todd Collins hinder you? Of course it could. Is there a guarantee it will? Of course not.

I said the coaching change is the factor I would look at. You lost some great coaches. Why deny that?

It's a position I strongly disagree with; that's what these types of places are for, to discuss things we disagree on. (obviously you know that).

You disagree that Taylor's death rallied your team?

Why? Do you see that as some sort of weakness? I don't.

I know people write things sometimes to get fans of rival teams rilled up, that they didn't mean to say or that they don't actually believe.

The Washington media writes to rile me (a rival fan) up?

Please ask these guys if you doubt me. The day Sean Taylor died I went to ES and sent PMs to Jumbo, Henry, and Om (3 guys I have tremendous respect for). In that PM I said that I hoped the Commanders would rally around Sean's memory and make the playoffs.

Clearly I have a more reverent feeling towards what your team lost than you do. I wasn't trying to rile anyone up.

As far as being thrown out of town, that's just a figure of speech. But it's likely something that could ruin the reputation of a writer or broadcaster, if it were worded the wrong way.

I guess I am just not seeing why you find this objectionable. I really don't. If it was one of our players I would be proud as hell of how the team overcame that tragedy. You seem genuinely ashamed of it.

That's why I was asking what you meant by that. But as you can see their are some others who do actually believe this; that's why I decided to touch on the subject.

I didn't think I was being cryptic. Making the playoffs in 2007 doesn't mean 2008 is guaranteed. You have big coaching changes, potential QB controversies if Campbell struggles, and the emotional high of the team rallying behind Taylor's loss will not be as powerful.

Does that mean you are doomed? Of course not. I responded to Green28's comments about you making the playoffs in 2007 as if that is some kind of guarantee. Whether it chaps your butt to hear it or not, 2007 is not a guarantee you are a playoff team in 2008. Sorry, that's just a fact of life.

Eventually you will probably ask me if I think you are a playoff team in 2008. No, I don't think you are. I say the same thing about most teams that make wholesale coaching changes to an inexperienced head coach.

 

[firehawk350]

I guess I am just not seeing why you find this objectionable. I really don't. If it was one of our players I would be proud as hell of how the team overcame that tragedy. You seem genuinely ashamed of it.

I didn't think I was being cryptic. Making the playoffs in 2007 doesn't mean 2008 is guaranteed. You have big coaching changes, potential QB controversies if Campbell struggles, and the emotional high of the team rallying behind Taylor's loss will not be as powerful.

Does that mean you are doomed? Of course not. I responded to Green28's comments about you making the playoffs in 2007 as if that is some kind of guarantee. Whether it chaps your butt to hear it or not, 2007 is not a guarantee you are a playoff team in 2008. Sorry, that's just a fact of life.

Eventually you will probably ask me if I think you are a playoff team in 2008. No, I don't think you are. I say the same thing about most teams that make wholesale coaching changes to an inexperienced head coach.

See, I think the disconnect is here. I don't think anybody could say that the Sean Taylor tragedy helped but nor could they disagree that the team rallied around it. Another thing nearly undebatable is that it showed character to turn it into a rally. What I think most Skins fans find inconceivable, and in some cases offensive, is the idea the "reason" we made the playoffs is Sean's death. Most of the time, it's used as a reason why we'll be 5-11 or something like that. It's usually followed by some comparison of Quincy Carter to Jason Campbell and how Gregg Williams leaving would destroy our defense (as if, last year, they weren't just telling us how horrible he was).

 

[Hostile]

See, I think the disconnect is here. I don't think anybody could say that the Sean Taylor tragedy helped but nor could they disagree that the team rallied around it. Another thing nearly undebatable is that it showed character to turn it into a rally. What I think most Skins fans find inconceivable, and in some cases offensive, is the idea the "reason" we made the playoffs is Sean's death. Most of the time, it's used as a reason why we'll be 5-11 or something like that. It's usually followed by some comparison of Quincy Carter to Jason Campbell and how Gregg Williams leaving would destroy our defense (as if, last year, they weren't just telling us how horrible he was).

I guess I just don't get it. When a team rallies around a fallen teammate I am moved by that.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Didn't the Skins make the playoffs last season?

because of your backup QB

Did they lose anything significant in the offseason?

you don't have much talent to begin w/

Did they improve their primary weakness, WR?

2 rookies? LOL

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Be honest, do you think making the playoffs one year guarantees making them the next year? Is it really that simplistic to you?

Do you believe your coaching staff is improved? That has no impact on expectations? I think your Defense is going to disappoint you. I had tremendous respect for Gregg Williams. He's gone.

WR may have been your weakness last year and you may have improved it. Does that mean that coaching can't trip you up? Does that mean your Defense couldn't struggle?

Do you agree with the Washington media that your team last year played on sheer emotion after the death of Sean Taylor? What's the rallying cry this year?

I think think the maroon, black, and yellow are in for a rough year. Not saying you can't surprise, but making the playoffs last year doesn't guarantee you squat.

good points, the Skins haven't made consecutive trips to the playoffs in awhile

 

[CowboyWay]

Skins won the last 4 because of one reason, and one reason only. JC wasn't quarterbacking that team.

He is bad. I know most skins fans can't accept that fact, but that doesn't make it untrue.

His loftiest goals are to one day be average. We will see if he ever makes it.

I give it until week 3 before the entire skin nation is screaming for Collins to be the starter.

 

[apickmans]

Skins won the last 4 because of one reason, and one reason only. JC wasn't quarterbacking that team.

He is bad. I know most skins fans can't accept that fact, but that doesn't make it untrue.

His loftiest goals are to one day be average. We will see if he ever makes it.

I give it until week 3 before the entire skin nation is screaming for Collins to be the starter.

Sir, I respect your Homerism.

 

[Brandon]

Sir, I respect your Homerism.

Glad to see your supporting vandalism.

 

[Sonny#9]

Skins won the last 4 because of one reason, and one reason only. JC wasn't quarterbacking that team.

He is bad. I know most skins fans can't accept that fact, but that doesn't make it untrue.

His loftiest goals are to one day be average. We will see if he ever makes it.

I give it until week 3 before the entire skin nation is screaming for Collins to be the starter.

What, no Quincy Carter reference? Take a look at the defense Collins faced. Easy to look good facing those teams.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

What, no Quincy Carter reference? Take a look at the defense Collins faced. Easy to look good facing those teams.

when has Campbell ever looked good?

 

[Sonny#9]

when has Campbell ever looked good?

He's played well at times, but I am not going to try and convince you otherwise...it'd be a waste of time.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

He's played well at times, but I am not going to try and convince you otherwise...it'd be a waste of time.

where's your badge, cop-out?

give me a break, Campbell is a mediocre player, he can't beat teams like Houston and Tennessee, don't give me, "it's so easy a caveman can do it", because Campbell hasn't consistently beat anyone in order for you to use that argument

 

[Yeagermeister]

Geez this thread is still alive? :geezer:

 

[Sonny#9]

where's your badge, cop-out?

give me a break, Campbell is a mediocre player, he can't beat teams like Houston and Tennessee, don't give me, "it's so easy a caveman can do it", because Campbell hasn't consistently beat anyone in order for you to use that argument

I've dealt with you enough times to know better...some people just need to be ignored.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I've dealt with you enough times to know better...some people just need to be ignored.

you mean got dealt w/

 

[BourbonBalz]

I continue to visit ES (not post, just read) just for laughs. Bubba, tr1, and some of the other idiots constantly ***** about how much the Cowboys are in the media, yet 99% of their posts are Cowboy-related. Do these guys not really know that they're making complete ***** out of themselves? The obsession level is really getting creepy. I suspect medications are in order. When we win the Super Bowl this year, there may just be mass suicides on ES, not that it would be a bad thing. Some people should simply not be allowed to reproduce.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Let's just put this to rest. Barring catastrophoic injuries to several NFC teams, the Skins WILL NOT make the playoffs this year. They're simply not good enough. Every team in the East is more talented. Minnesota, Green Bay, Seattle, Carolina (with a healthy QB), New Orleans, and maybe even Tampa Bay are also more talented than the Skins. They simply won't make the playoffs. Period.

 

[Sonny#9]

you mean got dealt w/

However you want to word it to assuage your ego.

 

[Sonny#9]

Be honest, do you think making the playoffs one year guarantees making them the next year? Is it really that simplistic to you?

Absolutely not -- anyone who is banking on "well, we made the playoffs last year" is fooling themselves.

Do you believe your coaching staff is improved? That has no impact on expectations? I think your Defense is going to disappoint you. I had tremendous respect for Gregg Williams. He's gone.

WR may have been your weakness last year and you may have improved it. Does that mean that coaching can't trip you up? Does that mean your Defense couldn't struggle?

I don't think the defense is going to change too much. Blanche is no slouch, and the personnel is the same. McIntosh is getting healthy, and should be ready by camp. He was a playing very, very well when he went down. I do not like the way they handled Williams though. I thought he was treated poorly. Same system, with the same players.

Zorn however is a MAJOR X factor. I cannot get a grasp on him. I think he has the football knowledge (and Adam Schein doesn't like him, so that gives me hope ). But then he has gaffes like "maroon, yellow and black"

Do you agree with the Washington media that your team last year played on sheer emotion after the death of Sean Taylor? What's the rallying cry this year?

I think think the maroon, black, and yellow are in for a rough year. Not saying you can't surprise, but making the playoffs last year doesn't guarantee you squat.

I agree -- we could be in for a long year, we could surprise the hell out of a lot of people. I think one of the facts that gets ignored is six starters were out for an extended period. Getting Randy Thomas back helps. He is our best lineman. I'd love to sit here and say with any amount of confidence that we're going to win 10 games. But I can't. I can't even say with confidence that we are going to win 8. We'll definitely win more then 6...I think.

We'll see. I cannot for the life of me get a grip on this team. I like what they did in the draft for the most part, except maybe passing on Calais Campbell for Fred Davis. But we'll see how that plays out.

Camp is right around the corner, and we'll have something more then speculation to discuss!