Redskins Rant

Greensboro, NC -- All of the optimism that permeated Redskins Nation during the first eight weeks of the season is all but gone. The defense has remained somewhat steady, but the offense is nothing but a farce. As the NFL season dictates, the stronger teams emerge in December because of the depth of their trenches built back in the draft, OTA's, and training camp. The problem with the Redskins year-in and year-out is their depth. As a fan, we get all excited when the Skins sign a star free agent, such as an Antwaan Randle El or an Andre Carter. We also get excited over big, splashy trades, such as the ones for Jason Taylor and Santana Moss. With high first round picks and nothing else in the draft during this decade, it speaks volumes of the problems that have persisted and will continue to exist in DC. After watching football for several years now, I've learned that it's not the star free agents that win you the tough games in December and January. It's all in the lines, both offensive and defensive. The team with the best lines is going win. When a QB, such as Eli Manning, has all week to check for the open receiver, more likely than not, the team will convert. If there's an effective pass rush, the opposing QB will be more prone to making mistakes when they're scrambling or ducking when a large lineman is flying at them. It's time to tear down this debacle and build through the draft. It was no coincidence that all seven draft picks of the 2007 NFL draft played a key role in the Giants' Super Bowl win 9 months later. Further, who has the two best lines in the league? Eli has all week to throw, while opposing QB's (see Campbell last week) are always on the run like outlaws.

Truth be told, the Randle El signing has been a bust. So has the one for Andre Carter, and Fred Smoot. The trades for Jason Taylor and Santana Moss (sans the 2005 season) have yielded less than stellar results. Special teams have been a disaster since Joe Gibbs I. It starts at the top, not with Jim Zorn because he doesn't have a say in player personnel decisions, but with Vinny. The signature on Vinny's paychecks belongs to the Dan. This President of Football Operations title nonsense/no GM/no Director of Scouting doesn't work. It's time to hire a GM who knows what he's doing. Follow the proper hierarchy chart and we might have something. The teams that have dismantled us this season have all benefitted from recently outstanding drafts: the Giants, the Steelers, and the Ravens. These hyped up expectations are fitting for September and October, but come Thanksgiving, the real team, or lack there of, shines. It's time to tear it down and REBUILD THROUGH THE DRAFT.