I assume that you are referring to the Washington Redskins… Man, that’s funny, never heard that one before. In any event I believe that there are a few factors affection the team’s quality… Coaching, Salary Cap, Injuries
1. Coaching
The Redskin’s record has suffered from the large number of coaching changes… From 1996 through the 2002 season, NFL teams have average 2 coaches*… The greatest number of coaches over this period is 4… With Spurrier, Schottenheimer, Robiskie, and Turner, the Redskins have had 4 …
Another factor to consider is the difference in the systems between these coaches… Changing year-to-year from Turner’s “Where are Emmitt and Troy,” to Schottenheimer’s “Run and Defense,” to Spurrier’s “Fun and Gun” offenses have been drastically different and require longer learning curves… You will see that Teams that have had the same coach/systems have fared much better over the 96-00 period… See Cowher in Pittsburgh and Shanahan in Denver…
Furthermore, each Coach typically brings on a myriad of assistant coaches that only make matters worse…
2. Salary Cap
First you will need to know how the NFL Salary Cap determined…The Cap is determined through a complicated calculation system. The Cap is based on income that the teams earn during a League Year. A percentage of that income, termed Defined Gross Revenues (DGR), is allocated for player expenditures. The DGR is based on ticket sales, merchandise sales, and broadcasts. The DGR is divided equally amongst all 32 teams.
So anyway, the way in which a team signs/pays players directly affects what players it can sign/play… Over the past few years, the Redskins have been affected greatly by poor player decisions… For example, would you believe that Deion Sanders is still counting against the Redskins’ salary cap… although, the team has done an admirable job of working around previous indiscretions, they have undoubtedly been affected… If you don’t believe this, take a look as the “Once Super Bowl Champion Ravens”
3. Injuries
I know that all teams have injuries, but a sting of injuries can cripple (literally) a team and ruin their chances of success… At one point or another this year, the Redskins have had injuries to their: Quarterback, Running Back, Left Offensive Tackle, and Right Offensive Guard… Injuries have also played major roles in affecting previous seasons… but I won’t waste your time any further
In any event, I believe as the Redskins settle into the Fun and Gun, sign a few key players over the next year and stay healthy, you will be singing Hail to the Redskins as the walk away with Mr. Lombardi’s trophy raised high.
* This calculation does not include, the expansion Houston Texans or the Indianapolis Colts who didn’t have coaching information available on http://www.nfl.com/teams/coaching/*team city initials*
More Salary Cap Information
For all of you nerds out there, here is the actual Mathematical Calculation:
· Projected DGR x CBA Percentage = Players Share DGR
· Players Share minus Projected League wide Benefits = Amount Available for Player Salaries
· Amount Available for Player Salaries / Number of Teams = Unadjusted Salary Cap per Team
· In 2002, it is projected to be around $71.1 Million.
· 1998-2001 63%
· 2002 64%
· 2003 64.25%
· 2004 64.75%
· 2005 65.5%
· 2006 64.5%
· 2007 Uncapped Year
· NOTE: Minimum Team Salary is 56% for the remainder of the CBA. If a team does not allocate at least 56%, then the players on the team roster for that year will be directly paid the shortage.