The Redskin Report

All of the season in review articles are on hold thanks to the Redskins being the Redskins and making a big splash early in the off-season. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Redskins swooped in and signed former Kansas City Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders to run their offense. Saunders is known as one of the most successful and innovative offensive coordinators in the league. He was up for a few coaching jobs this off-season and was considered the front-runner to land the Oakland Raiders job before signing with the Redskins.

Interestingly, from the media coverage, the signing seemed to come out of left field. There was a brief blurb yesterday in a Bay Area newspaper stating that Saunders was flying to Washington to interview for the offensive coordinator, but no mention in local papers. Then today the Kansas City Star and ESPN.com confirmed that he has indeed signed with the Redskins. The local papers finally confirmed the signing at 6:30pm.

The Redskins went about getting Saunders to sign in the trademark Daniel Snyder fashion. Once the Skins made the decision they wanted Saunders, they moved quickly. Gibbs flew into Kansas City to meet Saunders, instead of waiting for him to come to Washington. Although there has been no confirmation Snyder accompanied Gibbs on the trip, it can be assumed he was there when the quick signing and dollars involved are considered. There has been no announcement from the team as of yet, and nothing is expected until next week.

In Saunders, the Redskins get a highly successful offensive mind. The Chiefs have been the top offense over the five years he has been with the team. They have never finished outside of the NFL’s top five and last year were the number offense in the league. While the passing attack was good, it was the running game that led the Chiefs in Saunders’ term. Both Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson have put up tremendous numbers in the offense. Clinton Portis should expect to have a huge season.

Another advantage is that Saunders, like Gibbs, comes from the Air Coryell coaching tree and their systems use similar personnel. It could be argued that the Redskins’ skill players are actually better than the Chiefs’ skill players. Portis and Johnson are both top backs. Chris Cooley, while not yet at Tony Gonzalez’s level, is quickly closing in on him and there are no receivers on the Chiefs comparable to Santana Moss.

Two major questions emerge from the signing. First, how does this affect the quarterback situation? Mark Brunell faded badly as the season progressed and a new set of eyes may think a change is needed. Does this mean Patrick Ramsey’s Redskin career could be revived or will Jason Campbell’s time come sooner than expected? Another issue is the offensive line. The Chiefs had one the best lines in the game. Was Saunders’ success a result of having a good line or did the line sparkle because of Saunders’ scheme?

While those questions will remain unanswered until next season begins, the signing is a coup for the Redskins. Joe Gibbs continues to amaze with his team first mentality. It is unfathomable to think of another successful coach willing to give up his specialty for the good of the team. How can a player complain about losing their spot on the team, when Gibbs was willing to give up his for the team? While Al Saunders will improve this team immensely, its Gibbs who continues to amaze. We, as fans, are lucky to have him.

In the Post:
Saunders signs; Salary Cap Options; 2