HUGE game yesterday. It was another big step in the evolution of this football team. We took care of business at home against two quality teams (NO and AZ) but then went on the road against a divisional opponent and our arch rival and a team that many consider the most talented team in the NFL and we beat them. Also, we didn't steal this game, we won it. We took it to them. We shut down their run game and we shut down T.O. Great play by our defense. In particular, Shawn Springs, Chris Horton, Carlos Rogers and really our entire secondary for taking care of business.
Also, great game by Jason Campbell who continues to play very well. He made the throws he needed and then eluded tacklers to make his own plays. He is looking more and more comfortable and confident out there. The best part is that he has not turned the ball over yet.
It was just a total team effort from the players. Also, great game strategy and calling by Zorny. Again, I grow more and more horny for Zorny. This guy has brought a modern system to the team and the players seem to be enjoying the higher offensive production.
That's three in a row now and I can't be more pleased with the team right now. I figured there would be more in the way of growing pains and JC and Zorn and the entire offense having to learn the system and trust each other. It is happening much quicker than expected. There is still a long way to go but I am really liking this team. We seem to be building on something which is something that I feel that we haven't done in the past.
In the past, we have largely been inconsistent and sure we have made the playoffs two out of the last three years but we were always erratic. We seem to be showing signs of improvement each week and there is a growing sense of camarderie, confidence, trust, and belief. This has to be one of the better wins in the last several years that I can remember in that we proved a lot to everyone for not only winning the game but for winning it the way that we did.
Great win but now we can't have a let down going to Philly next week. Philly is coming off a tough loss to Chicago and they are in the cellar of the division and they won't want to go below .500 and lose to a division opponent. I expect Westbrook to come back even if he is injured because despite it being early, every NFC East game is considered critical.
For now, lets enjoy but tomorrow it's back to business and look forward to taking on Philly.
Finally, props to Deepie for showing the courage and foresight in picking the Skins to beat the Cowboys. Well done, Deepie.
4 comments:
Wow. I called it, but I'm still a little surprised it happend. We took it to them and truly looked like the superior team. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
Six keys to the game:
1. As I mentioned in my bold prediction, our secondary matches up well with Dallas' receivers when Springs is in there. When Fred Smoot is your 3rd CB, you know you've got a quality secondary. On top of that, Landry and now Horton are looking very good. We started to give up some wide open looks when Springs couldn't go any more, but we definetly have some depth in the secondary...except for Doughty...I like his fight and toughness, but he covers only a little better than Archuleta...and that's not saying much.
2. We stopped Marion the Barbarian. He had one run of 12 yards...just about every other time he ran the ball, he got stuffed at the line. Great job by the defense against a great back.
3. Campbell is the best QB we've had in years...decades even. I'm starting to expect him to make the big play everytime instead of cringing everytime he drops back. He didn't force anything. I can't remember one pass yesterday that was in danger of being picked off. He's money. Plain and simple.
4. The o-line was very good. They protected Campbell well and opened up running lanes for Portis all game long. Aside from two boneheaded penalties by Rabach that negated two TD plays in the 2nd half, I was very pleased with the o-line's play. It's nice to have someone as good as Jansen as a backup, even if he's lost a step.
5. Portis. He looked like the barbarian yesterday. Too bad his TD run got called back because his little celebration dance was hilarious.
6. Moss. He had the big game I expected. When he's healthy, he's a premier receiver. I can't wait until Thomas and Kelly are healthy and Zorn starts inserting them into the offense more...our passing attack will only get better.
Quit gloating.
Agree with most of your points. Here are my comments in reference to your comments:
1. Secondary was solid. Springs and Smoot played very well. I knew (and think mentioned) that Horton should get more playing time given the Dallas passing attack. We could see Doughty's short comings in the AZ game when he couldn't keep up with Fitzgerald on their bomb. I like Doughty and I commend him for being very gracious in giving up his job to Horton. He didn't fight or anything. He basically said that he is fine with it as long as it makes us a better team. Doughty is a team guy and a stand up guy.
2. Typically, we have done a decent job over the years stopping the run so I wasn't as concerned as you in that aspect. Great job stuffing their ground game.
3. JC has progressed very well over the last few weeks. He is looking more and more comfortable with the system and being the starter. He is exuding the confidence we need and is truly becoming a leader. I liked the once pass that looked like he was just trying to throw it away and then I believe it was Cooley who caught it on the sideline. JC looked at the sideline and just kind of chuckled. I liked it because he looks relaxed out there.
4. O line was solid. Actually, Rabach's penalties weren't that bad. I missed the hold but I thought I heard Aikman say that it was an iffy call. Also, getting called for going down the field, I think he thought JC was going to run for it. These guys have their backs to the ball and can't really see what is happening and I know he saw JC take off and then he turned to start upfield. It was just an unfortunate penalty. Still, the O line did well against a tough Dallas D line. Have to give credit to Jansen. He was the guy I was most worried about and he played pretty well.
5. I've always liked CP. He is a guy that plays every down and fights hard. The one thing he seems to work on is putting on a move in the open field. He's had a couple chances this year to take it all the way but he seems a little uncomfortable as to what to do in the open field and doesn't really put a move on. Still, tough hard running.
6. Moss was outstanding. I think he enjoys that he is getting deeper balls thrown his way. He still struggles with some of those short slants and hitch routes. He could have caught a couple more. We definitely need Thomas and/or Kelly to step up. We did that one fade route in the corner of the end zone to Moss but he is too small. That is the type of route you would run to a big, strong guy. I think we will get those guys in the mix soon enough and they will only make JC and the offense better.
I will also add that Zorn and Blache and the rest of the coaching staff did an excellent job of game planning and calling plays. Again, we didn't steal this game. It wasn't a fluke. We went into their stadium and we beat them. Coaches certainly deserve credit for preparing this team.
Now, it's on to Philly. We'll be facing a team that will desperately want to avoid going 2-3 in another very hostile environment. It's going to be fun.
What? You don't like the fact that I'm a freakin' football genius?
I agree about the coaching. Zorn is definitely getting more out of his players than Gibbs was and I think it's because they're feeding off of his energy and attention to details.
Philly will be tough, especially now that they're in the NFC East cellar. I think Zornstar will get the team refocused and ready to compete...but really...coming out of these first 5 games at 3-2 wouldn't be bad either...but, man, I'd love to see us win another big game.
Simmer down, tiger. Good call but don't be a dick. Well, I guess you already are a dick so don't be a bigger dick.
3-2 after 5 games is more than I could have hoped but I agree. 4-1 is much better and the thing is it certainly seems possible. Westbrook is still not practicing and his status for the game is still up in the air. Even if he plays, he won't be 100%. He is there best player and he certainly hurt us last year so having him out would definitely help.
HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!
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