Dear Santa...
| Published 12/10/04

Graphic by: John Severino

In regards to the Washington Redskins I have put together a list of things I want for Christmas:

First, I want an offense. It took until Week 13 against the New York Giants (a defense far from historic fear it used to incite) to score over 20 points in a game -- the previous high was 18. Patrick Ramsey, in one hundred less pass attempts, is only two-hundred yards off Mark Brunell's season total and his completion percentage is ten points higher than that of the expensive veteran from Jacksonville. Clinton Portis, while still on projection for a third straight 1500-yard season, has only crossed the goal-line three times. That, in conjunction with Ramsey and Brunell's combined touchdown total of 13, explains why the Redskins are 4-8 instead of the vice versa.

Second, in the off-season, I would like to keep Patrick Ramsey as the starting quarterback. Let's face it folks, Ramsey hasn't been lights out in his two seasons as semi-starter, but he shows promise. I know from my own point of view that when I see him throw the deep pass I expect it to be caught -- something I never expected with Mark Brunell. I've heard rumors of going after Drew Brees, but why? Let's give Patrick Ramsey a year under Joe Gibbs to direct the offense before we arbitrarily bench him (again) only to pull him off the shelf whenever the new starting QB (high-priced) falters. Considering the Washington Redskins have the highest salary in the NFL, why not give Ramsey (a player who's entire contract is cheaper than one year of Brunell's) a chance and save some cash.

Third, keep Gregg Williams in Washington. So far I haven't heard any rumours about Williams leaving, but he's turned a Redskins unit that stunk last year into a top 5 defense despite injuries to Philip Daniels, Mike Barrow, LaVar Arrington and Matt Bowen. How many other defensive coordinators can keep their defense on top after taking a hit from four starters? New England, maybe Pittsburgh? The success of Gregg Williams has put him on the map again as a coordinator in the NFL and I fear that another franchise will make a move at him for either a coordinator position or a head coaching job. Of course, something working in our favor is that Daniel Snyder has the dough to keep his coaches if he chooses -- and it would be smart to keep Gregg Williams.

Lastly, as an early Christmas present (I know its a fopaux to ask) can we please beat the Philidelphia Eagles? I'd really like to stun all these arrogant Eagles fans who are already making their reservations in Philidelphia for the Super Bowl celebration parade. It wouldn't even be all that shocking for me to see us win. We can run the ball against a weak Philly run defense and with Ramsey in there we can pass the ball. Our defense is top-notch and our special teams is passable. I know Philidelphia has already won the division and the Redskins are an incredible long-shot away from making the playoffs (even in a weak NFC) but please, just for the sake of Washington Redskins fans on a binge of disappointment, can we win this game?

Sincerely,

Andrew D. Lent