Darrell's Blog
Posted 2/1/08 12:46PM EST
Butterflies in the Desert
It's official. The Arizona desert is now plush with Green. The Darrell Green crew has arrived!
Here's my quick Super Bowl weather update: The skies are clear, but the temperatures are hanging in the disappointing 60s, especially for northeasterners. Oh, and there's another very interesting phenomenon going on out here. As one who really enjoys and appreciates the outdoors -- you know, plants, insects, stuff like that -- it's been quite weird that as pretty as the flowers and foliages are out here, all of the butterflies seem to be nesting right here in my stomach. Go figure.
Yesterday I finally figured out when and where I was the first (and probably only) time I felt like this. It was 25 years ago, when I was waiting on my name to be called in the 1983 NFL draft. And, yep, there is one big similarity in the two moments -- butterflies in my stomach! And, just like back then, anything I could do to influence the decision had long been done. In this case, all you, me and my family can do is wait! That's fine. I just need a little help with the waiting part. LOL
Finally, I would like to wrap up today's thoughts with a little Redskins update. The family and I accepted a gracious invitation for dinner with Dan and Tonya Snyder and others last night. For the record, I haven't been in a conversation with Dan -- if my memory doesn't fail me -- in at least nine months to a year. But last night as I listened to him talk with such passion about his strategic vision for the team, I would like to reiterate the point I made in my blog post of two days ago, when I referenced "The Dirty Dozen," and said, "...each man was picked individually and with a specific skill for a specific task to meet the team's goal."
I went on to say that if I was right and that's what the Redskins were doing, that I applauded their decision because it eliminates anyone's ability to hide. Well, I was right! That's exactly what they're doing! They want the coaching staff to be held accountable for their individual performance. They don't want to hire some superstar head coach with his own supporting cast of coaches who can hide behind their friendship and history with the head coach. It's just what I suspected. It makes sense, and I agree with that decision 100 percent.
Now, what do you think? Good or bad, I want to hear from you.
What do you know. They also need 2 bring tecmo bowl back.
Submitted by: Larry 2/1/08 1:42pm EST
I think it can be good or bad, depending on the head coach. I guarantee the assistants are not going to be given free reign over their areas of responsibility, they must answer to the head coach. I can see some problem if a unit is performing poorly what is to stop that assistant from pointing the finger and saying the head coach has too tight a leash on him and is preventing him from doing his job. Of course I could be way off, having never been a coach in the NFL I am ignorant on what actually goes on behind the scenes. Unlike the vast majority of people I will not judge the team, owner, coach, players, groundskeeper, ball boy, towel boy, etc. Just because we as fans watch football on TV and read Internet articles it doesn't make us qualified to vilify Dan Snyder for what he is doing. I suggest we all keep a positive attitude, take a wait and see approach, and support this franchise like it deserves to be supported!
Submitted by: David 2/1/08 2:05pm EST
I as a long time Redskin I live and breathe as the team goes. I have tried especially in the last few years to shrug the team off as just entertainment. But I can do it!!!! I grew up with them, follow their every move, listen to the radio, watch all the tv shows I can. The Redskins are like my first girlfriend. I love them unfailingly and wait silently for them to return that same love not just with victories but with passion. To me this is not just about winning. It’s about creating a family, a team that can go out and do what is necessary to create a bond with the community so that when they are on the field I can be out their with them!!! That’s what has been different about the teams of late and the teams that you ( Darrell Green ) played on.
You guys had such a connection with Redskin nation that even if the team lost we were still with you. That’s why I can’t initially support Mr. Snyer’s decisions. We were beginning to develop a family again!!!!! Unfortunately that process began to culminate with the passing of one of our family members.
I just knew that that continuity that we all felt at the end of the year would continue into next year. But now we have to start all over again from scratch. These new moves in upper management are going to bring bigger and more profound moves in the direction we must take to move forward.
I can’t go anywhere because I AM COMMITTED TO MY FAMILY. So I will PRAY that what Daniel Snyder wants is the same thing we in Redskin Nation NEED to continue to be Family!!!!!
Submitted by: Jon 2/1/08 2:31pm EST
Not a question, but thank you for your wonderful outlook-- I remember reading the paper years ago and you said right before the SB that "God will bless those who humble themselves" -- A great outlook then and now is what makes you the great person you are -- If you need any assistance on the Eastern Shore, let me know!
Submitted by: SullivanR 2/2/08 2:19am EST
I hope Dan asks you to be a coach. Would you be up for it? I can see you in that role.
Submitted by: SullivanR 2/2/08 2:27am EST
I do understand what you say about the agreement with Daniel Snyder for the changing system and head coaching to get better winning season after season. When it will happen to show the truly Redskins dominant team?
Submitted by: ayuk40 2/2/08 10:31am EST
