REDSKINS

After the loss to Carolina Jags, all the sports reporters and fans were zapping the Redskin coaches, especially the Shanahans, for offensive ineptitude. With starter injuries to two-fifths of the offensive line, injuries to key skill-position players, and two clipboard-holding quarterbacks competing for starter, why would anyone be surprised?

No, the Redskins' situation only magnifies the fact that the defensive team hasn't shut down anyone. When called upon to "step up" and win the game for "ole DC," they have failed. Maybe there should be more attention paid to the defensive coordinator. No team seems to have trouble scoring on the 'Skins. The 'Skins play about as well as they talk - full of "hopefullies."

How is it that wealthy professional football players need to work on the fundamentals? After 12 to 18 years of organized, coached football - not to mention "how to" videos and books by coaches - what more in the way of fundamentals should they need? If they were trying to employ complicated plays rarely dreamed of by average folks in football, then maybe some extra work would be needed. These players are missing blocking, tackling and coverage.

Do any Redskins scouts ever ask the question: Can this prospects actually block, tackle, cover, etc? A professional prospect shouldn't be in the primer on fundamental football playing techniques. The fact that a prospect looks good in uniform, lifts 500 lbs., and runs a 40 yard dash in 3 seconds flat have no bearing at all, if he can't block, tackle, throw, catch, or cover. Instead of taking the "best athlete available" with a notion that you will turn him into a player, why not choose a player who has already proven himself to be player?

Another good idea to try to incorporate into scouting is durability. Some humans have stronger bones, cartilage and tendons (or more flexible). Players who don't break and tear should have priority in scouting, if you want a team full of veterans of your choosing from the getgo.

Lastly, I believe that I could achieve better results coaching the Redskins than any of the recent list of coaches. In one year I would achieve a 50% victory rate. The next year the 'Skins would be in the play-offs. In one of the next three years the 'Skins would win the Super Bowl. Further, I would demand only $300 thousand the first year - plus travelling expenses. Owner Dan Snyder would even be allowed to call a play or two. Whats not to like?