Redskins Focus on Running Game, Defense
By "Gary Gray"

Off-Season 2129 (Washington, DC) - The Redskins were so impressed with the Tommy Sheppard's performance as running backs coach that they have promoted the 34 year old to Head Coach. After witnessing the team's complete meltdown in last year's NFC championship, Mr. Sheppard has decided to make drastic changes to the Redskins' game plans.

At the press conference, the new head coach detailed his strategy, 'There are two problems. One, we passed the ball with an 18-point lead. Bad idea. And two, on D, we had eight guys in the box on every play. The Vikings just lobbed the ball over the box and marched down the field to score four times in four consecutive drives.' So the Redskins have decided to pull the defense into the backfield, sending rising star Eric White on to the field as a fourth linebacker. Safety Bruce Donnalley will shift backwards in the formation, ending up side-by-side with Anthony Tate. NFC wide-outs already have jitters about running crossing routes against this fearsome duo; giving Donnalley more room to roam will turn these receivers' hands to ice.

Sheppard explained, 'We think this is the most effective strategy - having an extra linebacker to protect the edge and two monster safeties with blazing speed to hold down the deep threats. I think we'll still get some pressure up-front to beat the running game, but that's going to be less of a priority. This league has shifted into a pass first orientation, and we've got to counter that.' Some anonymous sources have accused Sheppard of modeling his game plan to counter that of the Vikings, a team that the former running back knows very well. In fact, the two teams are fielding identical formations in 2129.

Most defenses in the league are now geared toward defending the pass. Management evaluated the 2128 formations and found that the Redskins were one of only three teams consistently bringing 8 men into the box. Sheppard plans to capitalize, 'This is a trend that we need to use to our advantage. With Dean and Barry, we've got the best one-two punch in the league, no questions asked. If our opponents are going to stretch their defenses into the secondary, then we're going to call some downhill running plays to gain yards through the gaps they leave.'

While offense has often been the focus of the Skins, their defense has been making the most progress. 'I'm a guy who likes scoring,' admitted Sheppard, 'But I know that D wins. Just look at Minnesota - that's what we've got to compete with. And I think we're close. The Smalls & Smith show is airings it final episodes, and their defensive backs are aging quickly. But they added Phil Moore this offseason, and that's going to be a big boost. Without a doubt, it's Burgandy versus Purple again in 2129.' The Vikings may be a little surprised when they face an improved Washington defense this year.

The shift to 3-4 has not only allowed Eric White to become a starter, but it also requires one of the defensive linemen to sit the bench. After unsuccessfully shopping Lionel Pitts and Jarrett Bain in the offseason, management has decided to use Pitts as a backup and allow him to retire in 2130. Breeden commented, 'It's tough to send such a useful player to the bench and even tougher to know that he'll retire at the end of the year because of that decision. But James McGill has surpassed Pitts' physical ability, and we strongly feel that McGill will give us a better shot at a title this year. Lionel has been a huge factor in our recent success and we wish him the best in his post-player days. He's the type of player - smart and disciplined - that we would certainly consider for a coaching position after his retirement.'

Redskins fans are still waiting for AGM Ben Breeden's overhaul to lead to a trophy; seven seasons ago the process began. After three consecutive playoff berths, a NFC championship, a 4-3 playoff record, and a couple last-second playoff losses, fans are still wondering ... How much longer until the ultimate goal is reached?