Gibbs tells players to work out or else...

[dg28daman]

Gibbs Tells Redskins to Work Out or Else

By JOSEPH WHITE
.c The Associated Press

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Joe Gibbs laid down the law to his players Monday, a day after the end of his worst season as an NFL coach. His message: Show up for every single offseason workout, meeting and practice - or else.

``We can't afford to go through another year without making some real serious improvements,'' the Hall of Fame coach said.

A few weeks ago, there were rumors Gibbs, a 64-year-old diabetic, might step down because of health reasons. Instead, he appeared ready to shift into a higher gear, starting with a weeklong evaluation of every player on the roster in preparation for another big-spending round of free agency.

At times, his voice had a defiant edge, as if he were determined to live up to the expectations his legacy created for him. The next six months, he said, will be ``the most important part'' of his return to coaching after 12 years away.

``A lot of people say, `Hey, 6-10, how can you be excited about this?' `` Gibbs said. ``I'm excited about the offseason, and I'm excited about the way that we can improve our team. I'm excited about our defense. I'm excited because we did not have the production we wanted to on offense, but I think that's something we can fix.''

Gibbs took full responsibility for an offense that ranked 30th and scored more than 21 points just twice all season. The Redskins went nowhere despite having the most expensive roster and highest-paid coaching staff in NFL history.

Gibbs admitted he might have been rusty at times, and it showed in his spotty clock management and in game plans that often appeared outdated. He cited progress made toward the end of the year - the Redskins won three of their last five - but said he's willing to overhaul his offensive schemes.

``We need to take a real long hard look at everything on offense,'' Gibbs said. ``We'll just take every single part of it and go through it and try to make a good decision on it. Were people frustrated? Yeah. I was.''

Gibbs was also quick to defend himself. He defended last season's high-priced shopping spree by listing every player the Redskins obtained via free agency, draft or trade. Only tight end Walter Rasby and linebacker Mike Barrow went in his negative column, while his roll call of positives included quarterback Mark Brunell - benched nine weeks into the season - and running back Clinton Portis, a $50.5 million signing who proved an awkward fit in Gibbs' offense. To Gibbs' credit, the list also included standouts Cornelius Griffin, Shawn Springs, James Thrash, Sean Taylor and Chris Cooley.

``I challenge you to take that group right there and go through the league and find somebody else that did that good,'' Gibbs said.

Gibbs challenged his players to match his work ethic, saying he expects 100 percent attendance during offseason programs that are officially deemed ``voluntary.'' He said anyone who skips is making a statement.

``If they make that statement, then we're going to act accordingly,'' Gibbs said. ``I'm not going to be counting on somebody's who's not around here.

``One thing I like to tell the players: You need to organize your life. If I make a lot of money playing football, I'm going to hire somebody to do my account work. I'm going to hire somebody to go live with my sister. Spend $50,000 and protect your million dollars. Come up here and work.''

Gibbs said he believes he has assembled what he frequently refers to as a ``core group'' of strong character players around which he can build a winning team. This offseason won't be as aggressive as last year's, but he said he has ``substantial'' money to spend while maneuvering under the salary cap.

Players who might not return include Rod Gardner, an erratic receiver who isn't strong in the locker room and who will be entering the final year of his contract. Barrow, who didn't play a down because of a knee injury, is expendable unless the team is unable to re-sign pending free agent Antonio Pierce. Negotiations have stalled with the other notable free agent, cornerback Fred Smoot.

Kick returner Chad Morton's future is uncertain because of a knee injury and the late emergence of Antonio Brown.

Offensive upgrades are needed at guard, center and receiver. Gibbs has already declared next year's starter at quarterback will be Patrick Ramsey, who showed slow but steady improvement toward the end of the season.

The defense? How to figure a unit that lost LaVar Arrington, Matt Bowen, Phillip Daniels and Barrow for much or all of the season could possibly finish ranked No. 3? The Redskins' MVP this season was actually an MVC: assistant coach Gregg Williams, who proved a good defensive scheme is more important than a lineup of big-name stars.

Gibbs' greatest accomplishment this season was to keep the players united. There was little bickering on this struggling team, and players were optimistic as they left Redskins Park.

``This was a losing-record team,'' Pierce said. ``But not a losing team.''

[jimster]

Spend $50,000 and protect your million dollars. Come up here and work.''

THAT is classic.

[KDawg]

I love it... Hard work is something most of these guys had to do in high school and college and just because they're getting paid they feel now is the time to stop. Wrong. BECAUSE you're getting paid you should be putting so much more into it...

Go get 'em Joe!

[Arsenic]

I have a feeling that their might be some suprise cuts this offseason.:laugh:

[Saqs]

"If they make that statement , then we're going to act accordingly,'' Gibbs said. "I'm not going to be counting on somebody's who's not around here".

Damn straight. Crack

[afparent]

he makes a good point, the harder they work the more money they can make...it is an investment

[Sarge]

Let's see who's first to squeal to the union about being forced to show up at a "voluntary" meeting

[MikeB]

I wonder who had to "go live with their sister" instead of reporting to the voluntary sessions? That info is too exact... he is calling someone out.

[Fred Jones]

I agree, if certain players don't come in and workout they will probably not be around next year. Gibbs would never come out and say which player, but I am sure he had a few in mind when he said that. Bugel said tonight that most of the players have bought into the system. Just not all of them.

[KDawg]

Originally posted by Sarge
Let's see who's first to squeal to the union about being forced to show up at a "voluntary" meeting

Whoever it is will probably have a damned good amount of time to sort that issue out, cuz they will be out the door as soon as word of the complaint reaches Gibbs and co. :laugh:

I love it!

[Saqs]

Originally posted by MikeB
I wonder who had to "go live with their sister" instead of reporting to the voluntary sessions? That info is too exact... he is calling someone out.
No doubt about it. I think both cases are examples (someone worried about their money being mishandled perhaps).

[dchogs]

``One thing I like to tell the players: You need to organize your life. If I make a lot of money playing football, I'm going to hire somebody to do my account work. I'm going to hire somebody to go live with my sister. Spend $50,000 and protect your million dollars. Come up here and work.''

a bit of a misquote here... he really said, "hire somebody to move your sister," implying that the skins need to pay other people to do their ***** work. a no brainer in my book.

[BG]

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BG]

http://new.wavlist.com/movies/135/str-stickit.wav

Didn't post the sound because of one bad word----

[AJWatson3]

"One thing I like to tell the players: You need to organize your life. If I make a lot of money playing football, I'm going to hire somebody to do my account work. I'm going to hire somebody to go live with my sister. Spend $50,000 and protect your million dollars. Come up here and work.''

def. the highlite of the article... what's the point of having all that money if you don't have things to spend it on? oh yeah, they all got rims...

[NoCalMike]

I love it, I mean absolutely LOVE IT. FINALLY some damn accountability in this organization. It is so depressing that it has taken about 12 years for it to return, and that it took the re-hiring of Joe Gibbs to bring it back, but I am giddy over the fact that we now have a coach that has the rep, and TROPHIES to bring credibility to whatever the hell he says and does in the lockerroom.

[shippy1973]

Originally posted by MikeB
I wonder who had to "go live with their sister" instead of reporting to the voluntary sessions? That info is too exact... he is calling someone out.

Any player from West Virginia?? OK, not called for but funny anyway... :rotflmao:

[CrazyZeb]

Originally posted by dg28daman
Instead, he appeared ready to shift into a higher gear, starting with a weeklong evaluation of every player on the roster in preparation for another big-spending round of free agency.

I know its our history, but did he ignore the part where Gibbs said we wouldn't be doing much this offseason?

[Larry]

Comment I once heard a sportscaster make, to a player who was demanding some kind of consessions from his team, because the player thought he was a star:

"Hey, if they've been loosing with you, they can shure lose without you."

[RF4L]

Solid.

This does sound like a multi-year weeding out process.

"Redskins guys" only need apply.;)

F'n Brilliant!:)

:notworthy

[Sweet Sassy Molassy]

Originally posted by shippy1973


Any player from West Virginia?? OK, not called for but funny anyway... :rotflmao:

--------------------
http://img67.exs.cx/img67/7985/avatar8vx.gif


Dude! I think your sig pic may be a little too much ...


















for my pants! :doh: :doh:

Sorry, I had to say it.

[BG]

Originally posted by Sweet Sassy Molassy



Dude! I think your sig pic may be a little too much ...


















for my pants! :doh: :doh:

Sorry, I had to say it.

Who the hell is that chik I know I've seen her before....

Not porn okay :mad: ;)

[HeavyHitta31]

Yes, because theres nothing more terrifying than a 5'10'' 60 year old with ethics. I'm sure they will ALL oblige. :rolleyes:

[KDawg]

Originally posted by HeavyHitta31
Yes, because theres nothing more terrifying than a 5'10'' 60 year old with ethics. I'm sure they will ALL oblige. :rolleyes:

Uhhh, hi... This is reality...

Where a "60 year old with ethics" can drop you like a ton of bricks...

[jbooma]

hmm are you listening taylor :)

[JWB]

Originally posted by dg28daman
[/B]``This was a losing-record team,'' Pierce said. ``But not a losing team.'' [/B]

Excellent quote. I think Pierce really wants to stay. He is a great guy.

[KDawg]

Originally posted by jbooma
hmm are you listening taylor :)

Ok Mr. Poston.

[jbooma]

Originally posted by KDawg


Ok Mr. Poston.

you guys need to give it up :doh:

[GatorEye]

CrazyZeb - your sig brings a tear to my eye! Dexter was the MAN. Him and Mann on the ends - those were the days! Where'd you get all that great footage?

[jbooma]

Originally posted by JWB


Excellent quote. I think Pierce really wants to stay. He is a great guy.

If we pay him he will stay, the problem with that quote is yes it is nice but in reality we are a 6-10 team, that is a losing team

how many teams above .500 did we beat

bears, nope
lions, nope
gmen, nope
49ers, nope
minny, nope
bucs nope

[Wicked99]

Originally posted by jbooma


If we pay him he will stay, the problem with that quote is yes it is nice but in reality we are a 6-10 team, that is a losing team

how many teams above .500 did we beat

bears, nope
lions, nope
gmen, nope
49ers, nope
minny, nope
bucs nope

yes because we all know how common it is for a team with a new coaching staff and many new players to come out and beat playoff teams who have been in the same system with the same coaching staff for years :rolleyes:. after reading some of your posts tonight i think u should put down the crack pipe.

[jbooma]

Originally posted by Wicked99


yes because we all know how common it is for a team with a new coaching staff and many new players to come out and beat playoff teams who have been in the same system with the same coaching staff for years :rolleyes:. after reading some of your posts tonight i think u should put down the crack pipe.

sorry but for a team that has had no defense in years the first year with all new coaches and now we have one of the best, that system thing doesn't mean as much now does it

[KDawg]

Originally posted by jbooma


sorry but for a team that has had no defense in years the first year with all new coaches and now we have one of the best, that system thing doesn't mean as much now does it

You're grasping here... Some schemes are harder to grasp than others. Gregg Williams' system isn't really that complex when you break it down by position... It gets more complex when you put it all together.

What's with you and the negativity lately? You're not being an objective fan, it's almost like you're totally oblivious as to what's actually going on...

I'm not sure if that's the case or if you're just trying to stir things up...

Come on man.

[Wicked99]

Originally posted by jbooma


sorry but for a team that has had no defense in years the first year with all new coaches and now we have one of the best, that system thing doesn't mean as much now does it

i'd say that it means gregg williams is a hell of a defensive coordinator and all of the players on defense have bought into what he is teaching and they are playing their hearts out. can't say the same about the offense but that's why some of them won't be around next season.

[mookie0720]

The odds of 100% attendance at voluntary workouts is slim to none and slim just left town.

[Art]

Originally posted by jbooma


sorry but for a team that has had no defense in years the first year with all new coaches and now we have one of the best, that system thing doesn't mean as much now does it

Funny, a team with the No. 4 defense, followed by the No. 10 defense, followed by the No. 5 defense before a step back last year is a team without a defense for years. It's almost like you've never seen the football team play JB.

[KDawg]

Originally posted by Art


Funny, a team with the No. 4 defense, followed by the No. 10 defense, followed by the No. 5 defense before a step back last year is a team without a defense for years. It's almost like you've never seen the football team play JB.

You may be on to something, perhaps he lives on Mars and is connecting to us via some sort of high speed alien internet service...

I don't get how someone can be so out of touch with his team...

[Painkiller]

Originally posted by mookie0720
The odds of 100% attendance at voluntary workouts is slim to none and slim just left town.

Your right, and those that don't show up without valid reasons are going to be on the proverbial hotseat. Gibbs is the type of coach where he will sit a star, and play a back-up if the star isn't giving his all.

[Montilar]

Let's see who's first to squeal to the union about being forced to show up at a "voluntary" meeting

It's voluntary to show up. Gibbs didn't tell them it wasn't.

He just said he won't depend on someone who hasn't put in the work or proven to him that Gibbs can trust him.

In other words, "you wanna play? Earn it. Prove it. I'm the guy who decides."

[skinsfan080]

Originally posted by Montilar


It's voluntary to show up. Gibbs didn't tell them it wasn't.

He just said he won't depend on someone who hasn't put in the work or proven to him that Gibbs can trust him.

In other words, "you wanna play? Earn it. Prove it. I'm the guy who decides."


Exactly, its that way from High School to the Pros. How many of you guys who didnt hit the weight room in high school w/ your team in "voluntary workouts" got to play on Friday Nights??

Same thing goes in college. Pro's is no different either. You're 100% correct montilar

[mookie0720]

Originally posted by Resurrection


Your right, and those that don't show up without valid reasons are going to be on the proverbial hotseat. Gibbs is the type of coach where he will sit a star, and play a back-up if the star isn't giving his all.

I don't think there's any team in the league that has all their guys at voluntary workouts. That is regardless of record or amount of "team" players they have. Guys miss voluntary stuff without valid reasons all the time in the NFL. That's why I'm saying it's very unreasonable to think they will have 100% attendance (like Bugel said tonight w/ George Michaels and Sonny).

[budski]

Uh this is shot across the bow fellas. Alot of his comments from yesterday indicate he is not going to tolerate inconsistencies.
And buges comments indicate the same thing. It takes alot to get these ole timers pissed and they are pissed off right now. Expect alot of out of blue cuts during the offseason.

[stevenaa]

Let's not make excuses for them not being there. That is an invitation to continued mediocrity. There are no valid excuse other than illnesses or deaths. Everything else can be handled by writing a check. Gibbs is realistic. If a guy has a valid reason, and addresses it with the coaching staff before he misses attendance, then it will not be an issue. Coach is making a statement to the guys who think it is ok to miss them because they are voluntary. The league/players union considers them voluntary. This coaching staff does not.

[skins0128]

Originally posted by jbooma


If we pay him he will stay, the problem with that quote is yes it is nice but in reality we are a 6-10 team, that is a losing team

how many teams above .500 did we beat

bears, nope
lions, nope
gmen, nope
49ers, nope
minny, nope
bucs nope



Minny had a winning record until we beat them. :)

[Island Boy]

:notworthy All Hail Gibbs!!!!!!!

[ECU-ALUM]

Things are definetly heading in the right direction with this team.

[bnacpa]

I am worried about someone like Sean Taylor who may not show up to a voluntary workout ... but the team has too much invested in him to obviously cut him ... plus he could think of it as a ploy to renegotiate for more money ...

But otherwise the people who are missing the workouts will be those who actually think they are more important than the team ... and Gibbs won't put up with that for a second.

[budski]

If these players are smart, they wont try any "ploys" with gibbs, he's not going to play any mind games.

[SNEET]

Originally posted by bnacpa
I am worried about someone like Sean Taylor who may not show up to a voluntary workout ... but the team has too much invested in him to obviously cut him ... plus he could think of it as a ploy to renegotiate for more money ...
.

Enough with the Taylor-hating.

You might want to wait for him to actually not show up before you criticize him for doing so.

Some of you people are insane.

[sealskin]

The talent is there, it's just a matter of the players being on the same page with the coaching staff. Gibbs and co are willing to put the extra time in hopefully the players agree. The players have to realize that something needs to change in what has been going on the last few years. :mad:

[jtyler42]

This is what this team has needed for a long time...A coach that expects nothing less than excellence...I like the way Gibbs challenged the players to work as hard as he does this off-season....If they do that we will be a for sure playoff team...

[cphil006]

Gosh, when was the last time our coach made offseason actions that important. Usually its offseason spending.

[herb mul-key]

Yea I mean we have need this for sure. Just to have each athlete in peak, peak condition for the season and to have all his responsibilities as second nature. I think we have been behind in years past with physical training and been outstronged by teams with more individual strength and athleticism.

[Montilar]

"You mean it's not golf season now?"



:laugh: (sorry. couldn't resist.)