The Redskins

After only one game -- three offensive series to be exact -- Coach Joe Gibbs benched Patrick Ramsey in favor of Mark Brunell. Ramsey is displeased with the quick move, yet disputed a report that he requested a trade, Washington Post staff writer Nunyo Demasio reports. After a strong preseason, Brunell will get a chance as the starter in Washington's upgraded offense. The Redskins have also released lead returner Antonio Brown, adding to the big changes on the team heading into Monday's night's game against the rival Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium.

Questions about the Redskins?

Demasio was online Friday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments about the team.

The transcript follows.

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Nunyo Demasio: Hi,

Thanks for joining to talk about your Redskins.

Sorry to be a couple minutes late.

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Washington, D.C.: Now that we're in week two of Gibbs second season back with the 'skins, and he's made another bonehead decision, can we finally stop calling him God and realize he needs to go back to NASCAR full-time?

Nunyo Demasio: Wow.

We're off to a harsh start.

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Orlando, Fla.: Help me out down here in Florida!

I have not heard anything on how Lemar is doing at the MLB position. Looked good against the Bears, but don't know what the inside is. Could he be another Antonio Pierce?

Also, can we expect more from LaVar this week?

Nunyo Demasio: Lemar has been okay, unspectacular but solid.

That's what you're going to get from him for most of the season, especially early on. This is a big transition for him. He's undersized and he's still learning the intricacies of the position.

LaVar should start Monday.

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Cape Coral, Fla.: How much longer will the owner and fans allow Gibb's a free ride for ending the Redskin season and any chance to go forward after after three series of the first game. Send Gibbs back to NASCAR and he can make Brunnel his pit crew boss.

Nunyo Demasio: Geeze,

based on the first few comments of this chat, the honeymoon with Gibbs is officially over.

I guess the quarterback switch has caused a visceral reaction from fans. At least it hasn't split the locker room.

(Mean but pretty funny about Brunnel as his pit crew boss.)

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Ellicott City, Md.: Why all the dismay about about Coach Joe making a change at QB? How many of you sports writers have been watching Patrick since Jan probably making the same mistakes, all the way through Sept 11th?????

Nunyo Demasio: Yes, Ramsey has been inconsistent during training camp, and Brunell has been the better quarterback. However, Gibbs said that he would give Ramsey every chance to keep the job. Gibbs's word has always been his bond. You can't argue that Ramsey had every chance to keep the job.

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Frederick, Md.: How has the team responded to Gibbs move at quarterback? Is there any rumblings in the locker room?

Nunyo Demasio: No rumblings.

A few guys sympathize with Ramsey because they believe he didn't get a full opportunity.

However, the overwhelming majority of players I spoke to said that Brunell has been clearly the better quarterback since training camp.

It's a good thing that Brunell and Ramsey as close friends. A few teammates have pointed that out as helping the situation.

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Frederick, Md.: Are there any teams interested in Ramsey? If so, What do you think the Redskins could get for him?

Nunyo Demasio: The Redskins couldn't get much for Ramsey at this point. Last year, when the team acquired Brunell, and Ramsey sought a trade through his agent, the Dolphins offered a first-round draft pick. But Gibbs wouldn't even listen to trade offers.

Teams are generally settled at quarterback at the start of the season. But the trading deadline is Oct. 18, so things could get interesting in a few weeks.

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Silver Spring, Md.: It seems like the Redskins were very dysfunctional before Gibbs came back and he was supposed to bring some stability but it seems like the the Redskins are rubbing off on him instead of the other way around.

Nunyo Demasio: Hey,

what's been interesting about the Gibbs era is that the drama at Redskins Park has been the same. Some could argue that it's become even more dysfunctional there. At the same time, you could say that it would have been worse without Gibbs. He's the biggest reason LaVar Arrington has a Redskins uniform on this season. The salary dispute was getting very ugly between Arrington's side and Snyder until Gibbs became sort of a mediator.

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McLean, Va.: What is your prediction of the score for Monday's game? Will it be low-scoring? Will we score a TD?

Nunyo Demasio: I think the Redskins end the hex in a thriller.

Redskins win 19-16.

Brunell gives a gutty performance and lessens that uncharacteristic criticism of Gibbs.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: To show how much Coach Joe thought of Ramsey, here is an example: -McNabb gets speared in the chest and has to leave the game - no flag thrown. -Ramsey just about gets decapitated - no flag thrown.

Difference: -Eagles submit the play for league review and league fines the Defensive player for spearing. -Have we heard anything from the league regarding Briggs' clothesline on Ramsey?? Did Skins even bother to submit the play for review?? Do the skins even care??

Nunyo Demasio: The Redskins care very much. They sent the play for review. The NFL is looking into it, they said they'd have an announcement -- if merited -- by today.

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Milford, Conn.: Why was Joe Gibbs hyping Antonio Brown all preseason? Can he judge talent?

Nunyo Demasio: I have to admit, I bought into the hype, just based on what all the coaches were saying.

They said Brown had one of the best off seasons. I guess it shows the difference between playing with and without pads.

Once the preseason commenced he was pretty bad. It's one thing to not be Jerry Rice as a receiver but returning was supposed to be his forte, and he wasn't even average.

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Fairfax VA: If Mark Brunell fails like he did last season would Gibbs either

a. Stick w/ Brunell

b. Go to Ramsey

c. or go to Campbell

Nunyo Demasio: If you're a Redskins fan, pray that Brunell doesn't fail.

Because if he's horrific Monday, the situation could become even more of a mess. In Ramsey's mind, it's only a matter of time -- not that he gets back in the game -- but that he's on another team.

If Campbell starts a game this season, that only means it's another rebuilding year.

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Washington, D.C.: Nunyo:

Here's my take on LaVar: The defensive coaches don't like him or trust him. I have never heard them say one good thing about him and they clearly don't feel like starting him. I have a feeling he has a tepid relationship with Gregg Williams and a terrible relationship with Dale Lindsey. In fact, LaVar seems to be the antithesis of what Lindsey looks for in a player.

Your thoughts? Provide us with knowledge.

Nunyo Demasio: How can I answer this delicately.

Well, you show some good insight. Entering preseason, the Redskins defensive coaches respected LaVar as a talent. But they felt he had to be more disciplined. LaVar, to his credit, has done just about all the things the staff has wanted. He's worked hard, played with the backups without acting like a prima donna, and tried to play with more discipline. The relationships have improved. And things are fine. Holdman hasn't done much since joining the Redskins, so LaVar has affirmed his value.

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ALexandria, Va.: Last week I jokingly chastised you for saying that you did too know when Brunell would replace Ramsey -- after the Redskins went 0-4.

It turns out I was right on, except I meant games and apparently the coach meant series.

Nunyo Demasio: Ha.

Great call.

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Falls Church, Va.: Am I overstating things to say that this may be the most important game the Redskins have played in years? Division losses, a sense of fatalism, mounting frustration have all conspired against the Skins. But a win against Dallas on Monday night could dispel all of that, and give the team a sense of finally breaking the hex. If Brunell leads this team to a victory, good things might be just around the corner. On the other hand, losing could bring that old sense of fatalism right back again. And Gibbs might face another difficult season.

Nunyo Demasio: You are being a tad dramatic.

But yes, with the quarterback situation, the rivalry, etc, Monday's game is as big as it gets for very early in the season.

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Gettysburg, Pa.: Nunyo,

If the switch to Brunell fails to produce the desired results, what is next--back to Ramsey or Jason Campbell?

Nunyo Demasio: Ramsey, but the important question: is what will his mindset be like?

He says he's confident but his psyche has got to be affected by the quick hook.

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Columbia, Md.: "I think the Redskins end the hex in a thriller. Redskins win 19-16. Brunell gives a gutty performance and lessens that uncharacteristic criticism of Gibbs."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

oh man I needed that. No seriously....Let's try Dallas 31, Washington 13 (including mercy 4th quarter touchdown "march")

I would take Bledsoe over Brunell any freakin day of the week

Nunyo Demasio: Those were a lot of hahas.

It's not that I think the Redskins offense will produce fireworks. Dallas's defense is much improved from last season.

But Washington's defense is still it's forte. I don't see any team scoring 31 points against the Redskins this year.

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Hutchinson, Kan.: You think Sean Taylor will be looking for payback in Dallas?? You can almost bet he is after what happened last year.

Nunyo Demasio: I'll definitely be watching the interplay between Sean Taylor and Keyshawn Johnson. Taylor gave Keyshawn a couple wallops last year, and they verbally got into it a few times. But Keyshawn won in the end because he got in Taylor's head. Taylor bit on Testaverde's pump to Keyshawn, leading to the late, winning touchdown. And after the game, Keyshawn skewered Taylor about being a rookie who needs to learn the game of football.

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Reston, Va.: Everyone is up in arms about Gibbs benching Ramsey when the fact of the matter is Gibbs never had any confidence in this kid anyway and Ramsey new it and played like it. Its just like if you had a change of management/ownership at the post there would be no guarantees that you would still have a job. Is it right absolutely not but its business and it happens and its unfortunate for Ramsey.

Nunyo Demasio: All good points.

However, Gibbs has been known for his loyalty to his starters and for being a straightshooter.

That reputation took a hit with this move.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Nunyo-

Can we expect to see Taylor "The Toe" Jacobs in action this week? Or maybe more Sean Taylor at WR?

Nunyo Demasio: Taylor Jacobs said he could have played last week. With the Redskins having only four receivers -- after releading Brown -- Jacobs should get his first action.

Sean Taylor will be used again as Washington's big receiver in red-zone situations. A few players said that he's a natural pass catcher during practices.

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Rockville, Md.: Reading between the lines, Cooley seems upset wth Ramsey being benched. They had a good thing going. Why would it be any different with Brunell? Any idea if skins are working on the long ball at all?

Nunyo Demasio: Cooley was just being blunt when he said he would have been angry if he was being in the situation. He's one of those guys -- a second-year player -- who speaks his mind, and is still learning how to speak with more diplomacy. He wasn't upset with Ramsey being benched. He just put himself in Ramsey's shoes. Cooley gets along well with Brunell and also has a good rapport with him.

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Centreville Va: The defense is the Redskins strongpoint, but will there be any address to the mediocre defensive line the team has?

Nunyo Demasio: Mediocre defensive line?

You sound like us reporters entering the 2004 season.

Washington's line is more than solid. Last year, the Redskins gave up the fewest yards per rush. Griffin is a beast, Wynn and Salave'a a solid and Daniels is good. What you can argue is mediocre is the pass-rush from the line. But the Redskins have not problems rushing the passer the way Gregg Williams blitzes.

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New York: Oh give me a break people. Only knee jerk johnny come latelies are flipping out. QB controversies are a staple of Redskins football.

Anyone without blinders on could see that Brunell made significant strides (overall performance, health, grasp of the offense) while Ramsey was the same old QB, failing to follow progressions, holding onto the ball too long, forcing it into coverage, not convserving field position, etc, etc, etc. This was inevitable.

Ramsey went in as the starter, was given starters reps in practice, and then completely and miserably failed to show any progress whatsoever throughout the entire preseason, even though Gibbs kept him in games longer than intended just to try to get him some confidence.

The only surprise was that Brunell didn't start the season opener.

Nunyo Demasio: I can't argue with much of what you said there.

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Gibbs Administration...Approval Rating: Nunyo,

If the Washington Post did a survey of the publics approval rating of President Joe...what do you think it would be right now. Better than "Dubby", same, or worst than "Dubbya?"

Nunyo Demasio: Much better than "Dubby".

But the fact that this is even a question shows how much things have changed.

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Midland, Tex.: Correct me if I am wrong, but Antonio Brown was in the same boat as Ramsey, was he not? He was given a job at the end of last season. He, just like Ramsey, proceeded to stink it up in the preseason, which carried over to the opener. How many games should Gibbs let Ramsey lose before he makes a switch? There is little chance that our beloved Skins beat the cowgirls in Dallas, there is no chance that they beat them with Ramsey constantly putting the ball on the turf. I am a huge Ramsey fan, but including his preseason, every single game he threw a pick! Does anyone not see that? The press keeps crying that Gibbs went back on his word, there's no "word" in the NFL. You start fumbling and throwing picks, you lose your job. The offense was bad all the way around last year, that's why it took so long to get Brunell out. Although they ended in field goals, Brunell led three scoring drives with no turnovers. You guys have got to stop overlooking that and cut Gibbs some slack. We all know that he has to start winning NOW. He has the defense, the offensive line, definitely the running game, now all he needs is a quarterback that won't turn it over and give the opposition easy scores. Wake up!

Nunyo Demasio: I don't fully buy the comparison, but that's an interesting analogy.

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Rockville, Md.: Gibbs just wants to win. Everyone seems to forget that he's won 4 of the last 6, and the two losses were by 3 points each. Under Norv we would have found a way to lose to the Bears. Gibbs still gets the benefit of the doubt.

Nunyo Demasio: Yes, the urgency to win is a big factor in the switch.

Gibbs wants to win. Now.

He doesn't believe that Ramsey can help him do that.

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New York, N.Y.: Some of these comments are absolutely ridiculous. I think I agree with Wilbon on his assesment of the average Skins fan: irrational. It's been one game and there are some absurd sweeping statements made here.

Like the comment that said Brown was over hyped and accused Gibbs of having no eye for talent. Are you kidding me? Sure, after one game (which the Skins won), the kid's a bust and Gibbs is a senile old coot who couldn't distinguish Art Monk from Art Garfunkel.

Please.

Nunyo Demasio: Ha.

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Long Island, N.Y.: Will talor jacobs play this monday?. And with former skin Patrick Johnson released by the ravens, do you think he could be back to help return kicks?

Nunyo Demasio: Johnson is someone the Redskins should look at with their paucity of receivers. Gibbs really wanted him before the 2004 season but Johnson went to the Bengals and was released after getting hurt. He's good on special teams, and he's a solid receiver who can contribute on returning kicks.

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Washington, D.C.: So Ramsey thinks he's a NFL starter? I assume that by asking for a trade, he's expecting to start wherever he goes, right? Otherwise why ask for a trade when benched, only to ride a bench somewhere else?

So where could he start? Where would he start - aside from the CFL or NFL Europe? I think the kid is delusional.

Nunyo Demasio: Ramsey believes he would get a full opportunity -- not a guarantee -- to start else where.

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NY, NY: "I don't see any team scoring 31 points against the Redskins this year."

Why? Has the Redskins' offense been doing regular tackling drills? I figure Brunell's good for at least 2 Dallas TDs, and maybe 3. The big advantage of playing Ramsey is that he can throw interceptions much farther down the field.

Nunyo Demasio: That's hilarious.

I didn't factor that in.

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Forestville, Md.: Since the skins have gotten rid of Antonio Brown after his horrible showing on Sunday as kick returner,who will now be the main kick/punt returner on Monday night?

Nunyo Demasio: Thrash will take a more prominent role in both punts and kickoffs. Betts will be the lead kick returner. He's solid in that role. Santana Moss was terrific as a punt returner when he was with the Jets. But with only three healthy receivers, I'm not sure the Redskins want to risk an injury to Moss. Occasionally, Shawn Springs can also return punts.

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Washington, D.C.: When media heads and anonymous players say that Jason Campbell is the best QB on the roster, are they just talking physical skills, or do they see something with him that the rest of us can't see? I don't think that it's much of a stretch to see that, physically, Campbell is probably the best they have. But being QB requires much more than just looking the part. Campbell would struggle mightily if he played significant snaps right now, no?

Nunyo Demasio: Campbell has the best talent overall, and eventually is capable of being the best -- although if he becomes like Brunell in his heyday, the Redskins would be pleased.

Campbell's had his ups and downs this preseason like any rookie, and he's definitely not ready.

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Augusta, Maine: Who knew about the QB switch first: Ramsey or Snyder? Any buzz about the boss's reaction to anything?

Nunyo Demasio: Good question:)

Actually, Snyder has let Gibbs make all the calls, but I'm sure he has his opinion.

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Dallas, Tex.: How's the Redskin defense so far compared to last year??

Nunyo Demasio: They look like they will still be miserly. Pierce and Smoot are gone -- huge losses -- but Daniels is back healthy, and Rogers will be very good while LaVar is back. I say the defense remains top 5, at least top 10.

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Denver, Colo.: Will Arrington play more this week?

Nunyo Demasio: Yes.

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Arlington, Va.: Have you ever heard of a professional sports team being so belligerent to the media that covers them?

Earlier this week the team Web site forcefully disputed a report in the post that scores from the National game were not displayed on the scoreboard during the game. They even quoted the poor scoreboard worker to say the post was wrong (I wonder if he had a choice in the matter) and how he couldn't understand why the post would report untrue information.

This is getting to be a little embarrassing.

Nunyo Demasio: From their point of view, that's the only way they can respond to the media "inaccuracies."

From my point of view, it's makes sense -- and it's more professional -- to ask a paper to run a correction. That's how the other 31 NFL teams do it.

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New York, N.Y.: Nunyo, is it true that you are leaving the Post for Sports Illustrated?

Nunyo Demasio: That's it for now and for good.

Got a few of these questions.

Thanks for asking.

Yes, I'll be leaving for S.I. in a couple weeks. But it was great chatting with you guys over the years.

Have fun watching Monday's game. And safe travels to the Redskins fanatics that make it out to Dallas.

Cheers.

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