Bigger and Better Things

I was watching the NFL Playoffs this weekend and though the Redskins were nowhere in sight (although they were shown in various teams 'highlights' reels for allowing touchdowns or missing tackles) I was happy to see that the Cowboys didn't fare much better. After trouncing the Eagles not once but twice to make it to the playoffs, the Cowboys were the last hope for the NFC East division but alas it came to no avail. Shortly after the game, speculation began as to whether Dallas coach Wade Phillips would be let go from his post. After all, after numerous trips to the playoffs, the Cowboys had yet to advance beyond and return to their Super Bowl-winning ways of the 1990's. However, owner Jerry Jones knew that he had a good coach and a good team that needs a bit of tweaking (and a bit of better luck) but that the parts of the puzzle were all there. They just had to come together.

And when I heard that Phillips was signed on to continue coaching, I knew that he would do an even better job because his bosses (despite his loss) saw the value in keeping him. So it was nice to hear a similar story with San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner. After losing a fairly close game to the New York Jets, there was a great deal of speculation that Turner would not be signed on to an extended contract (therefore making next year his final year and one in which he could be considered a 'lame duck'). But this morning I was surprised to find that Turner had been signed to a three-year extension on his contract and that he would retain his spot with the Chargers. Remembering him from his time in Washington, I couldn't help but feel just a bit happy for him.

After the way in which Turner was unceremoniously removed from his post with the 'Skins it was heartening to see that not all teams treat their coaches that way. Sure one can argue that Turner is doing far better in San Diego than he ever did in Washington or Oakland but the fact remains that he has been consistent. Most seasons have seen the Chargers get off to a slow start before launching into a winning streak that has seen them win their division the last three years. Now for some that isn't enough. To make the playoffs consistently isn't a good enough result, the fans in San Diego want to see their team finally return to the Super Bowl. I can understand that. I mean the Redskins (and their fans) have been seeking to see the team to return to the Super Bowl for decades now. Hell; I'd be happy to see the team even make it to the playoffs more than once every four years. I know beggars can't be choosers but we've been begging for so long here in Washington that we have the right to be choosy.

But one fact that I can't let go of is the fact that at one point, Norv Turner was considered to have bad mojo that would mean any team he worked with would fail. But one thing which I think was holding him back was the fact that he didn't get the team he needed. Looking back at who he had and how much say he had here in Washington leads me to conclude that it isn't so much the players or coaches that are the problem but the way in which the system has worked (or failed to work) for so long. I can rattle off names of players and coaches who left Washington and went on to have very good careers elsewhere where the owners weren't as controlling as Snyder in Washington. So many quarterbacks who were considered mediocre went on to play for teams where they had the receivers they so desperately needed. Same for running backs and the offensive line they required.

They are all parts of the puzzle which has so far eluded the Redskins. I have hope now that Shanahan is here that things will improve given the changes in the way in which the Skins foresee Shanahan choosing players and making roster decisions. I'd like to see Shanahan succeed, not because I think it's high time that the Redskins do go to the playoffs (and beyond) and not because I think Shanahan is a good coach, but because I'm tired of seeing players and personnel flounder in DC only to other teams and live up to their potential. Patience is something that the fans in Washington have shown a lot of but it's time that they finally get a chance to show their patience was warranted.