Joe Gibbs needs a double shot of courage.
Bet $10 on a round of golf with $5 in your pocket. Push the entire chips pile to the center. Trade caution for courage.
No more burning timeouts to triple check personnel. No more draws on third-and-goal at the 7. No more babying quarterback Jason Campbell.
It’s time to go all in if the Washington Redskins are to save the season and Gibbs’ reputation as the franchise’s greatest coach. Time to turn the cowardly lion into a tiger. Tell Al Saunders to try every crazy thing he’s been planning for two seasons.
If it works, Washington might salvage a wild card slot. If not, atleast Gibbs won’t look afraid of success.
The 33-25 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday was a microcosm of everything that’s gone wrong since 2004. A narrow defeat, blown second-half lead, wasted timeouts, lots of penalties — who does that sound like? Norv Turner or Steve Spurrier. Anyone who has committed as many gaffes as Gibbs’ teams would normally have been booted by owner Dan Snyder long ago.
Gibbs has become more conservative than a Bible Belt preacher. He’s over analyzing in a game that requires split-second decisions. He’s ramming the running game at the goal line when the makeshift offensive line can’t push forward.
Gibbs used to be the greatest at halftime adjustments. He was 86-11 from 1981-92 with the intermission edge. Gibbs and defensive coordinator Richie Petitbon owned opponents after 10 minutes with the locker room blackboard. Nowadays, Gibbs is 17-13 with a halftime lead over four seasons, the most losses in the NFL over that span.
Look, Gibbs still has a job in 2008 barring a total collapse, which is unlikely. Even if they don’t reach the postseason, Snyder isn’t firing Gibbs. This was an all-chips-in move by the owner, who won’t have a moment’s peace the rest of his days in Washington if he treats Gibbs badly, no matter how much the team loses.
No, Bill Cowher isn’t coming. This is Gibbs’ team for at least another 14 months when his contract expires and he hopefully has the good sense to retire. Until then, Gibbs needs to buck up and gamble his legacy. The no-huddle against Philadelphia was a good start. Now use it more on the goal line instead of getting stuffed like a Taco Bell burrito.
Washington must beat Dallas on Sunday to remain in the NFC East race. They’ll need at least 24 points, maybe more. Safety Sean Taylor is ailing and Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens runs across the field regularly. That means no more playing safe.
Bartender — a round of Red Bull and Jagermeister for my friends and keep them coming. Redskin Nation will need a stiff drink for this game and the weeks to follow.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
