Joe Gibbs/Redskins -- Year 4 of the program

[Die Hard]

Let's pretend the Redskins finish the 2007 season with an 8-8 or 9-7 record.... and in doing so, the Redskins miss the playoffs. Obviously, we have a 3-4 game improvement from the year before which was Joe Gibbs' worst record as a Head Coach.

I ask because even the most reserved predictions are 8-8 or 9-7. And I'm wondering if this is acceptable for year 4 of a program.

I'd also like to post a followup to see if 6-10, 10-6, 5-11 and 8-8 records in 4 seasons would get most coaches fired in the NFL.

[ThePreciating]

10-6, to 5-11, to 8-8 isn't a 3 game improvement, it's a 2 game net regression. It's playoffs or bust!

[DCsportsfan53]

I guess it depends on how the season unfolds. I honestly think JC is the linchpin in the whole deal. I think the defense will be great, the OL will be solid, the RBs solid and the WR's will do their part (including Cooley in that group). If the team looks like that and the reason we just missed the playoffs is because JC's showed promise but also flashed the mistakes inexperience brings and lost us a few games, I could handle that.

I really believe he's the main question mark, and I'm high on him, too. It all depends on how many mistakes he makes and how profecient he is. If he can put up 3000 yards with over 20 TDs and less than 15 INTs, this IS a playoff team.

[rellix]

I love gibbs but football has changed since his time.

[SkipJackSkin]

We need the playoffs soon!!! Nuff said.

[rainmkr]

I love Gibbs but I don't know who to be disappointed with... him, the other coaches, the scouting or the FO. We've treaded water for so long, we need some sort of positive movement and a 12 win season!

[sknsrbck26]

If we go 9-7 and make the playoffs, then that's ok. But I feel like this is a playoff team and that is what I expect from this team. Anything else is a failure.

[Doozinbrah]

I voted headed in the right direction simply because I do not feel its time for Gibbs to go. But, I will not be satisfied with an 8-8 season. I expect this team THIS year to be in the playoffs. I really think the whole team is playing with a chip on its shoulder and the doubters are gonna be suprised.

[Khun Kao]

I answered "no", but I have to be honest that 8-8 or 9-7 is all I expect this year. I think we will still experience growing pains with Campbell's 1st full year under center, and there are still a couple of question marks with other personel.... For instance both of our lines are suspect, and we don't know if we have true #2 receiver.... and I am not yet sold on our place kicker....

[Chris Worthy]

I always want no less than a 10 win season. I dont like just "getting by" and slipping into the playoffs with help from other teams. Beat your opponent and beat them good!

Its a toss up with Gibbs. If he didnt bring a winning aura the first time people wouldnt expect no less the second time around. If it was anyone else he would of been gone.

I'll give him the "No" vote but they are headed in the right direction pick. But I question his choices with sticking with Mark too long last year and starting Jason so late. When Jason goes out there this year and proves he is the man will people ask why didnt Gibbs start him earlier than he did?

[Bacon]

I answered "yes" for 9-7. Anything less than a winning record is unacceptable (we have a 10-6 team right now, and underachieving is not cool) at this point, but any improvement would be welcome.

[Siven]

Honestly, we are one of the most loaded teams talent wise. Anything short of 11-5 at minimum is a failure of the regular season. Joe Gibbs has some of the best coaches in the NFL and even if the game has passed him by, I expect him to be able to delegate responsibilities to those beneath him and to give Washington a winning product.

[bschurm]

See this concerns me. I know that Gibbs will give it one more year after this if he were to go say 8-8 missing the playoffs. He is a perfectionist and I don't think he can walk away w/out winning.


What scares me is that if he is 8-8, he should move on.

I don't think I have ever been more anxious about a Redskin season as this one. I am leaning toward cautious optimism. I haven't talked smack w/ anybody. I ate too much crow last year. And I am concerned for the legacy of Joe Gibbs, he is getting slapped around in the media and I KNOW those idiots don't know ****, but it stills bothers me.

Man, as I write this, the butterflies in my stomach are begining to flutter. AAAaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish Sunday would just get here already!

[pjfootballer]

Good Poll and great thread. I voted that we need to go further than 8-8 or 9-7, but I do think we're in the right direction. Gibbs will step down after 08, so there is no reason to hurry him out the door.

[flexxskins]

I think that we all pretty much know that the answer to the last question is yes.

But the thing is, most coaches in the NFL are not in the Hall Of Fame. How do you fire a coach that is? That would be a toughy.