Al Saunders came to Washington prior to the 2006 season, amid fanfare (and a salary) usually reserved for a head coach. The offensive mastermind with the 100,000-page playbook would finally get the Redskins' offense on track. Because there's no way the problem was an aging, noodle-armed quarterback. As it turned out, Mark Brunell wasn't the problem. He wasn't helping, but Washington has been inconsistent under first-year starter Jason Campbell too.
The fact that longtime Saunders disciple Todd Collins looked right at home in the offense last week against the Bears could indicate that while this scheme may be the best thing since sliced bread, it's not something you should expect the players to pick up in a year ... or three. Which may explain this, from today's Washington Post:
[Joe] Gibbs often has praised Saunders for his preparedness and work ethic and recently said he is pleased with the entire coaching staff, but acknowledged he has been disappointed in the results offensively, stirring speculation in the league that Saunders could be out in a coaching shakeup if the Redskins (6-7) fail to qualify for the playoffs.In Gibbs' first two seasons before Saunders arrived, the Redskins finished 28th (2004) and 12th (2005) in offensive efficiency, according to Football Outsiders. In the two years since, Washington ranked 12th (Saunders' first year) and 26th (2007).
It's hard to say Saunders is the problem, but a lot of times in the NFL, the guy who gets canned doesn't necessarily deserve it. And guys who have no business collecting an NFL paycheck, somehow continue to do so. Right, Brian Billick?
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Joe Gibbs should go back to calling the plays. His success over the years was based on his play calling. His time clock management needs work, however with all the high priced assistant coaches someone could help with the clock, and the RULES !!!!
Posted at 10:20AM on Dec 16th 2007 by marc
2. A complex system might also need more time. I don't think they really got the performance out of their wide receivers they should have, and Campbell is still developing, I think he will eventually be a fine QB and the Redskins should move up statistically. Also Portis fumbles too much.
Posted at 1:54PM on Dec 16th 2007 by Hank Browne
3. Way to go Redskins! 'Um, you guys want something to 'um drink or something??? Guess what, "it's begining to look alot like Christmas..."!!!
Posted at 9:23PM on Dec 17th 2007 by Rick