I had no idea one could get that tan in the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps it's the day skiing. The Redskins introduced Mike Shanahan as their new head coach Wednesday... and while things look like a corner has been turned-- one wonders how permanent this permanent shift of philosophy will be. Still some issues to put to bed with the Chargers game as well as a peek ahead...
One more thought about Jim Zorn-- didn't it concern anyone that his hairstyle was an exact replication of Bob Haldeman (Nixon's first Chief of Staff)? Next to Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon resembling Bobby Goldwater, this was the #1 political blast from the past in 2008.
How do we number this one-- is Shanahan the 5th, 6th or 7th coach under owner Dan Snyder? Depends on how technical one gets. The line of succession since 1999 has been Turner, Schottenheimer, Spurrier, Gibbs, Zorn and Shanahan. While I count Turner's tenure towards the total, I do not count Terry Robiskie as he was an interim coach filling out the 2000 season-- his brief tenure wrapped up the Turner administration.
Charger musings-- speaking of Norv, the hottest team in the NFL played its backups for the bulk of a 23-20 victory over the beleaguered 4-12 Skins. Even with a second half lead against the San Diego second string-- one never felt safe... as was the case the entire season. It was odd, however, facing an AFC West backup quarterback that didn't vomit all over himself...props to Billy Volek, apologies to JaMarcus Russell and Chris Simms.
Shanahan's record-- the former Denver Broncos coach brought a pair of Super Bowl titles to the Mile High city...enjoying a 54-18 mark in his first four seasons (12-4 average), but since John Elway retired he guided his team to a pedestrian 92-73 (.558-roughly a 9-7) mark with one playoff victory (one less than the Skins' tally). Still, the Burgundy and Gold went 79-86 over that span. Nobody is doubting the man's offensive prowess-- but Shanahan went through three defensive coordinators his last year in Denver...until he finally went over the side.
Campbell competent but not compelling-- the Skins quarterback threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns...but taking a closer look Campbell averaged just over 10 yards per completion-- and that's with an 84 yard strike to Malcolm Kelly in the mix. Campbell's campaign? Career highs in yards, completion percentage and touchdowns. Yet his 86.4 passer rating places #17 fifteenth in the league. Not Jake Delhomme territory-- but definitely not the kind of stuff that makes you jump up and down.
Allen's record-- Bruce Allen will be shopping for the groceries with coach Shanahan. How well did he perform in that role with Tampa Bay? Just one whiff-- released defensive end Gaines Adams (although runningback Cadillac Williams has been very brittle). The vast majority of draftees remain on the roster and the most of those start-- especially on the offensive line, from Davin Joseph to Jeremy Zuttah. That's very encouraging. How many pro bowlers did he brought into Tampa Bay? Five one-timers. Draftee Davin Joseph. Undrafted free agent Clifton Smith (kick returner). Veteran acquisitions Josh Bidwell (punter), Jeff Garcia (quarterback) and Dave Moore (longsnapper). Less than ideal.
What's a Haynesworth? The 100 million dollar man missed the season finale with injury... the third game he missed after the bye week. Haynesworth's production shrunk from 25 tackles and 3 sacks over the first eight games-- to 12 tackles and 1 sack while missing three of the final eight contests. Absent Haynesworth, the defense was held to one sack against the Chargers and finished with 40 for the season (tied for 8th in the NFL with Cleveland).
Snyder's record-- regardless of what Allen, Shanahan, Campbell or Haynesworth do... one man can change it all for better or worse. Owner Dan Snyder has had an active role in his first decade with the team...and although the Skins remain a highly profitable entity, the team's on the field performance is securely in the red. Will the owner step back and reign like a British monarch or feel the need to step forward and rule like a third world despot? So far it looks like Snyder is stepping back... but it's early.
Tracking the Triumvirate, Final Edition-- with Devin Thomas injured for the Chargers game, the duo of Davis & Kelly posted 11 catches for 155 yards. Season totals: a combined 98 receptions for 1181 yards and 9 touchdowns. Last year they combined for 21 catches... this year each surpassed that mark and each gave fans hope for the future: Davis as a true tight end... Kelly as a post-route threat and Thomas as a premier possession man.
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