Send in BLloyd! Let's see if he can score some points.

You could say they were running 'cause it's Redskins football, or you could say they were doing it because it was working.
If the red zone offense was working, this would have been a reasonable victory. And Soupy is the key guy in the red zone.

Is it the coaches, or is it JC? There have been drops, and JCs still learning. But halfway through the season without a TD pass to a wideout? That's crazy!

Jason Reid back from the inactive list

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/04/AR2007110401564.html

The Skins still have big problems. I thought this H-back was a good summary, but did not detail the more surprising issue, the awful Jets started scoring on us. The defense has some big holes again. Yje rush with front four seems awful and sometimes I saw Daniels just standing in place. We need to draft a difference maker for the line.

Pathetic. Twice this year they had to go to overtime to beat the one of the worst teams in the league.

The run worked, but won't every week against superior defenses. How many passes on first down this year? Two?

Embarassed skins fan.

The Jets' D is so awful it's hard to say whether the Redskin's running game has turned a corner. Did look though - for the first time this season - that there was a semblance of sync on the O-Line. The passing game continues to be an area of concern. Campbell still has poor protection, difficulty with making split-second decisions downfield and is still too quick to look for Option B - the running back. Coaches gotta use his arm on the long ball A) because he has one and B) because it opens up the run. Portis could have ran for 300 had they hit a couple bombs.

Defensively, Williams finally brought back the blitz, and it worked, brilliantly. About time and hopefully we'll see it some more. That sack by Landry was a thing of pure beauty.

Suisham, great precision kicking, but, dang, can't you get those kickoffs at least with ten yards of the end zone? Those short kicks, especially on the first play/overtime, killed/nearly finished us. His short kicks cost us over 100 yards in field position/arguably the return TD.

Oh Jasno, why do you always tell me doom and gloom? Cindy, can you hire someone who is a Redskins homer and will only tell me things that are good and positive and leave me feeling happy with a touch of over confidence?

False. These are not my opinions.

Fact. Their offense stinks and there's some seriously bad emanation happening between the QB and the WRs.
Fact. That was not "Redskins Football"
Fact. Jets cheerleaders are hot.

quick hits:

- just happy they won....wins keep u in this thing...

- Moss might have, pathetically enough, had his best game yet.

- yes the jets def is bad (and i have watched almost everyone of their games) but Portis still had his best game in almost a year and a half...

- jets recievers were dropping everything

- the def personal fouls must stop...have been huge...

- running the ball is about confidence, maybe this game can help

- gibbs/saunders must try a pass to get a first down in the 4th quarter...jets should never have gotten ball back...

- less thrash more mcardell

Jason -

Redskins defense reverts to 2006 style of not stopping anyone on 3rd down, and the offense pounds the Jets D into submission.

And you comment on how the Jets D was bad anyway implying the Redskins offense shouldn't get much credit...and the Redskins D needs to find a "happy medium."

Good to know I can count on a lack of insight and an unfailing effort to slam Gibbs in everything you write.

Please go back to Baltimore.

canpbell's int was a horrendous mistake....almost a game changer...

wow dead convo on post-game night.....

Just some thoughts....

Since this was Kellen Clemens first game (except for a portion of the Ravens game) isn't it possible (even probable) that Williams had very little tape on him to review - so was not sure what to expect and how to best game plan? Also, Clemens looks like he is going to be a good QB. Other teams that have played the Jets have faced Pennington...we did not have that luxury (sorry Chad).

I heard one analyst say that even when Williams was blitzing, Clemons was still connecting so he changed it up. Also heard that Santana bruised his heel and that might have been the reason he could not catch up to Jason's deep pass.

We're all waiting for MV_Dame...

although, now that the move is complete, look for the emergence of DC_Chick...

Another thing.....have to give the team credit for coming back to win when they were down 17-3. Who would have thought that could ever happen? Personally, I thought it was over at that time. CP said this was the first time this season that he felt like we were going to come back and win despite being so far behind and that the other players felt like that as well.

Campbell's int wasn't that big a deal to me... under pressure, got knocked as he released, had to say that it was a poor throw. Those things are going to happen.
And with this o-line, happen enough.

um...daggar...u broke the play down...but that was a big drive for us, might have been where we pulled ahead...tottal mo kill...

butt defense, after getting driven, got the ball back...

i had to listen to game on radio, but watching it now on DVR...wow did jets drop some balls today....

laron had a good game!

Chris Larry, I did not see a lot of dropped balls by the Jets receivers....a few but not many.

EIther Moose or Goose summed up the defensive philosophy best:
The Redskins are employing a bend but break defense,

As for the offensive play selections, I'd like to see Saunders 700 page playbook. I have he distinct feeling the first page lists the five plays they run, and the othjer 699 are simply

All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy.

Here's Johnny!

Well I'm just happy we won. I'll take 5-3 at the halfway point. Let's face it, we're a middle of the road team in need of a bit of confidence to maybe get us on a roll. Maybe last night's game can give the offense that confidence. I know it was against a poor Jets defense but maybe it will have reminded the offense just how to run the football and how good it feels to be able to do that well. If we can get that run game going now then hopefully it'll open up the passing game and we'll start to see the best of Soups.

Jasno,

Your first story this week has to be the wide receivers. Why isn't Moss catching the ball? What happened to that other guy, you know -- what's his name -- the one with the big rap recording future? Why isn't McCardell in the game more? And what became of Reche Caldwell?

I love it!

"Here's what I'm ready to conclude about the Redskins at the midway point of the season:

Nothing." - Wilbon

Caught the end of the game and did not realize that the Skins were down at one point 17-3. That's rough. I expected some success in the run game, but would have anticipated being up 17-3 with Portis and Betts having success. We really needed to open a can on the Jets as bad as they are, not crawl out of town and thankfully accept a narrow win in OT. That's not confident football. We'll take the win but bad omens of what lies ahead in the tougher part of the schedule. Passing game was weak and ineffective and the defense was gouged by a rookie QB. Injuries play some part but should have been more effective against an inexperienced QB. This could be the high water mark of the season. Dallas hung 38 on the Eagles in Philly and the Giants are much tougher now than the second game of the season. Buffalo is also improving - if we struggled against the NYJ no telling what happens against Buffalo.

You really need to give CP credit JLC. Since I am in the Dirty Jerz and seen a lot of the Jets games. They have been in all of their games except the Pats. A win is a win and we are 5-3. How many of us including you JLC had us at 5-3 at this point during the summer? Yeah that's what I thought.

Redskin fans continue to fools themselves. OF COURSE they should have played better against the jets, but they almost left as being one of the worst teams in football had they lost which they were on the verge of doing because the defense couldn't stop the jets of all teams. THE SAME TEAM THAT GOT BLOWN OUT BY THE PATRIOTS WERE ON DISPLAY AGAIN SUNDAY. THEY JUST GOT LUCKY THAT IT WAS THE JETS THEY WERE PLAYING. THE FREE FALL IN STILL ON. YOU'LL SEE BEGINNING NEXT WEEK.

Jason,

Story Ideas"
1) You alluded to the fact, last week, that we're going back to power running when the league's best teams are wide open, spread offenses that seem to set up the run with the pass. Is this the last vestiage, and the undoing of Gibbs #2? It isn't just new defensive schemes and athleticism, it's rule changes that favor passing.
2) I think I recall just as many hamstring injuries last year-I don't think it's new. True?
3) Randy T - I think we learend what he means to us after hearing for years about how he's an unsung Pro Bowler. Last year we did quite well running to RHS with Thomas and Wade w/o Jansen vs. NO. W/O him this year we have NO run game. I thought i heard cast came off last Wed? Where is he? Realistic to hope he plays at some level above Fabini in Dec?
4) I watch from TV (actually in Atlanta) but JC looks real good passing with a few that sail or maybe are too hard on short stuff--but generally very, very strong and accruate. Break down the passing game for us. Are the receivers not getting open (can't tell from tvland? I know their passing attempt seems low and down. I also see protection lapses that would scare any coach after the NE game.
--Cookie

i155133, Leon Washington with the Jets ran back a TD on the opening drive of the game. The Jets then scored again after a turnover...so we were in a DEEP hole early. Despite that, we stuck to the running game where before it would have been abandoned.

LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY. HOW COULD YOU EXPLAIN LOSING TO THE JETS WHEN YOUR RB GAINED ALMOST 200 YARDS. LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY.

Golly, 5-3. 5-3!

It's going to be heart attack central, every freakin' week. Keep the defibrullator handy.

All I've been asking for since this spring was for the Skins to be around .500 on December 1 and to be playing meaningful games through the month of December. Looks like that will be the case.

We knew it wasn't going to be pretty.

The last time we beat an awful AFC East team in overtime, we turned around and beat the Eagles. Let's do it again.

HAIL!

Impressive: Jasno managed to get all the way to the second or third paragraph of his game recap article (depending no how you break it down) before he began to go negative after the win.

Obviously Jasno had to mention the concerns on the Redskins' side, and I happen to agree with almost all the negatives he listed. For instance, the passing game still sucks. Also, you'd like this team to be able to beat the Jets by more than they did. You'd like to see the defense avoid giving up long drives mainly because one key guy (Cornelius Griffin) sits. You'd like to see them avoid the late hits.

But here's something Jasno (unsurprisingly) did not emphasize enough: in the NFL, it doesn't matter what a team is ranked. Losing teams are more desperate for a win, and everything usually evens out. Most teams don't go all season only winning one game. The Jets, as bad as they've looked this year, have been in almost every game until the very end. The Redskins were not picked by many people to be 5-3 at this point in the season, particularly given the number of injuries along the offensive line.

But more important, this Redskins team had to overcome the hangover of getting absolutely crushed by the Patriots last week. That isn't easy, and psychology is an oft-underestimated factor in the outcome of football games. You could tell that some of the plays - especially the late hits - were leftover frustration from that game. Frankly, I wish I'd seen a bit of that fire from them once last week's game was out of reach.

This was one of only two games this season where you could say that 1) the Redskins did NOT get out-coached, and 2) the team seemed to make successful halftime adjustments. Wow: halftime adjustments. Remember those? Since this game didn't fit into the "typical pattern" he and others have espoused, apparently this aspect only merits a brief mention.

The funniest thing? I think Jasno made his fewest number of grammatical/spelling mistakes in a while. He should put up more entries when he's tired!

Also meant to mention that this was a Jets home game. Even a terrible team usually manages to steal a couple of games at home. Fortunately, the 'Skins did not let that happen.

Not sure what game your watching but 1-8 jets outplayed 5-3 redskins and having to win in ot against 2 of the worse teams in NFL is nothing to take any good from.

Eaglesfan Andy you said as long as you beat boys twice you didnt care about rest of season? well i guess after that complete butt wooping in your house where all your fans were gone by 4th qtr will have you one step closer to jumping off that football cliff!

Jasno,

Your first story this week has to be the wide receivers. Why isn't Moss catching the ball? What happened to that other guy, you know -- what's his name -- the one with the big rap recording future? Why isn't McCardell in the game more? And what became of Reche Caldwell?

Posted by: talent_evaluator | November 5, 2007 07:24 AM

Can't be the coaching, could it???

I don't understand why so many Skins fans seem to feel we should have blown out the Jets. Yes they only have one win, but that's because they usually find ways to lose close games--their WR's cost them this game, and probably the Ravens game earlier. The Giants needed to rally at home to beat them. We found a way to win a game on the road after spotting the home team 7 on the opening kickoff. I'll take it.

The Jets may not have dropped "a lot" of passes, but they did drop some critical passes that would have led to a loss.

How about Leon Washington's drop of an easy 65 yard TD up the sideline?

How about 2-3 drops late in the 4th quarter that prevented the Jets from moving the chains?

I'm happy we're 5-3, but lets not go crazy here. This wasn't impressive. We were lucky to win the game. End of story. If you want to be positive about 5-3, fine. But please don't try to spin this game into a optimism party.

Jasno, you should write a real story to answer, once and for all, who is calling the plays for this offense...

Have you ever seen a coach so scared of a holding penalty that he'd settle for a 45-50 yard FG to win it? Gibbs is the scardest coach, and possibly person, in the world.

I would hate to see him answer the door on Halloween because he'd probably pee himself at all of the horrifying masks and fake blood. But if the trick or treaters can handle the pee, the good news for them is that Gibby also hands out late game opportunities for the opponent to tie or win the game. I know Andy Reid can't wait for his "treat" next Sunday.

PUT THE DAMN GAME AWAY AND STOP COACHING LIKE YOU HAVE AN EMPTY SCROT!

The redskins will lose 3 of the next 4
1 Eagles maybe
2 Cowboys loss
3 Tampa Bay loss
4 Buffalo maybe
Drink lots of kool-aide

duck,

here is your story:

Joe Gibbs.

no way does Saunders hand the ball back to the Jets so easily in the 4th yesterday. 6 runs up the gut, out of clear-cut running formations, up just 3 points?????????

how about Al throwing deep just once before OT yesterday? the WR on your deep pattern? not ARE... not Moss... James, he fights his guts out, Thrash.

the writing is on the wall, folks. it's a cluster fart at the Park, but I'm sure Saunders doesn't mind. I'd take 2 mill per year to call a handful of plays for Gibby when goes down for his 3rd quarter nap, wouldn't you?

(responding to earlier post)

Lisa, the homer Jets radio guys were beside themselves over the Jets drops, when I watched the game on DVR I saw a handful of Jets receiver drops. But the real issue was when and the importance of the drops. Lisa when you watch the replay checck it out. For one they dropped one in OT that would have put them deep into FG range.....

We have two distinct sides on this blog: Gibbs bashers and Gibbs supporters. For you Gibbs supporters, let me try and explain why we want Gibbs gone.

First, he's a hall of famer and nothing, nothing can ever take that away. However, it does add a tarnish to his bust when you see him so obviously out of his element this time around.

1. His half-time adjustments are simply horrible. The Gibbs we revered was a master of the half-time tweaking that left teams befuddled (for Lisa that means confused). Completely the opposite this time up. Seems almost afraid to go for it.

2. His blind loyalty to veteran players (which admittedly was great in 1.0) has cost him dearly in 2.0 See Mark Brunell. And potentially CP (hope yesterday was the big turn)

3. The Al Saunders move. That is probably the biggest mistake he's made. Not beacuase Al isn't great; his resume speaks for itself. But the two haven't meshed. For whatever reason, they are not on the same page of the huge playbook. I don't see this ever working out.

4. The lack of steady progress. It's been a rollercoaster ride ever since his return. Other than that 5-game stretch in 2005, they can't seem to put together two convincing wins against quality opponents. If they win a big divisional game, they blow that momentum the next week against an inferior opponent. Yes, we recognize that the team stunk ever since Gibbs 1.0, but that doesn't mean we have to accept this as the new norm just because things were worse.

5. Injuries happen to every team; can't keep using that as an excuse. The NFL is a battle of attrition. Whoever can field the best replacement parts usually walks off with the trophy.

6. The pace of the game has clearly gone way past Gibbs' ability to keep up with it. Clock mismanagement is but one indicator. And it rears its ugly head more often than it should. In fact, it's pretty inexcusable for a veteran coach to have that problem keep cropping up.

We've drafted some pretty good talent, and that's a tip of the hat to Gibbs. But it's really time to find someone who can get the most out of that talent and it isn't Coach Gibbs any longer. He was the answer back in the 80's and early 90's. Now days, we know he's what's holding this team back.

Are there still any Patrick Ramsey lovers here? Guy played nearly the whole game yesterday in the Broncos' 44-7 loss to the Lions. Went 29 of 46. Fumbled twice, once for a Detroit TD. Threw a pick for a TD.

On a brighter note, remember when the 'Skins let Kenny Watson go? Peter King said this morning "Kenny Watson looks like a better player, rushing and receiving, than Rudi Johnson."

Hats of to PDX Nathaniel.....he had this game called as of last tuesday, was like he wrote the script!!

In my head I thought the Skins were gonna win this substantially (although I never said b/c unlike a lot of yous I believe in the Jinx hardcore)mostly b/c I have watched the Jets so much and get blugened with their media here in NYC...

Funny story: I was working a Record/CD convention all weekend with an old boss who is a big Jets fan. We were huddled around the transistor, seconds before kickoff he was all "Here is the Jets only offense, Leon Washington on Kick returns, they need one here" when it happened 30 seconds after he blabbed it out I almost smashed him over the head with my radio.....

ThRedskins,

Many of you have very valid criticisms of the players, coaching staff and front office.

But for the love of all that's SJKing holy, we WON yesterday. Sure, it wasn't the prettiest thing, but it was the biggest comeback in the Gibbs 2.x era!

We should all be thankful to the spheroid gods for granting us a run game this weekend.

I don't want to hear any more about Portis not having it. I don't want to hear any more about losing the games we should win.

I would like them to BUILD on this win and get some confidence for our division schedule. We've got some wins to rack up. We CAN do this!

10-6 HAIL!

Some rambling thoughts:

1. That was ugly, butt ugly, but a win is a win, and I'll gladly take the win, over a loss.

2. Glad to see that we got the running game going, from the highlights that I saw, Portis seemed quicker, and more explosive than he had been all year. Thats great to see.

3. While I was happy to see them get the running game going, part of me was upset because this cause us to rely on the run MUCH more than we needed to.

4. I don't understand why we're not getting the ball to Moss, ARE more than we are. Makes ZERO sense to me. I can't figure it out.

Thats all I've got, it was an ugly win, but a win, just the same.

RB,

Reaper was roaming on the Leon drop. But still, when he pops out of the backfield and an LB follows him, I felt like I was playing Madden and just hit the jackpot. Huge mismatch.

There are obviosly 2 types of skins fans. Type A: Satisfied with W's. Type B: based on YTD performance, preparing for no playoffs for next 5 years.

Bills looked good...Bucs look good. Eagles hot...not looking good for us. Spread the friggin offense OUT!!! JEEZ.

dik--

This blog has two kinds of posters. Those who are happy when the Redskins win, and those who are angry when they win. The first group are known as "fans." The second group are the haters and the merely confused.

lmgo, TE

If Mangini had decided to go for it (which I thought he would) in overtime on 4th down from the Skins 39, this game would of been overwith. With the way they had been driving the ball all game long with passes and QB scrambles it was a pretty good chance they would have converted. How many times is Gibbs going to insist on folding up even with the slightest lead? I don't understand trying to run the time out because we were only up by 3 with 5 min left. I could understand if it was with a minute or 2 but come on! Gibbs is doing this to himself and I finally have a clear understanding of how much he is meddling in the offense. It's good to be 5-3, but it's definitely not a confident 5-3.

Pubgolf:

The eagles are hot?!?!?!?!?! HmmmmmOK...seems to me they have QB who needs a scenery change, a coach who is preoccupied with his son pill popping his azz, an offensive line that is a turnstyle, and a mediocre defense...

Can we not fall into the scenario that we love in USA "Two sides, head to head, only two way to view something" blah blah blah...

I am giving us skins fans credit of being a bit more nuanced....

Pubgolf, the Eagles looked horrible! And Dallas looked beatable as long as you stay on your game. This is something we have had a hard time doing this year, but I know it's possible.

I just wish the coaches could get over their bickering to formulate an actual game plan with expected adjustments. geez!

Hail!

fellas, chill. By "hot", pub golf meant pissed, ticked off, furious, desperate, kind of like the Giants were when Gibby resurrected their season back in week 3.

talent evaluator,

dude, you need to get over it. pointing out the glaring holes on a team with 1 home playoff game in 16 years doesn't make someone a hater and non-fan.

CL, I have no problem with the analyses - but it would be nice to have it in a constructive context.

Gibbs is here - and whether we agree with his strategy or not, he is going to be conservative with this team. I just wish they'd do it cohesively instead of at odds with each other. That's what it seems like to me when Grilliams curls up in a little ball.

With every positive comment that Jasno made he had a negative one to counter it.

A win is a win. we came back to win.

The jets aren't as bad as there record.

Our O-Line played awesome and we didn't just run to one side.

portis stepped up and our defense stepped up when it needed to.

it was an ugly game but sometimes that is just the way it is.

we beat the bad times and all our loses have come to teams with a combined 22-3 record. I haven't given up just yet.

httr

talent evaluator,

dude, you need to get over it. pointing out the glaring holes on a team with 1 home playoff game in 16 years doesn't make someone a hater and non-fan.

Posted by: RickyBobby | November 5, 2007 10:31 AM

No, RB, and I never said that. What I said was not taking pleasure in a victory makes someone a hater or a non-fan. Lot of people are angry when the 'Skins win because it pokes holes in their case against Gibbs, Saunders, Snyder, Cerrato, Williams, Bubba Tyer, Clinton Portis, or the guy that sells beer in section 107.

You can't claim to be a fan when you don't take satisfaction from a win.

Whew, I saw my week flash before my eyes.

5-3 and 4-4 are not even close to the same record.

I also found a bit of peace in my fandom. This team isn't that good, on offense or defense so to be 5-3 and in the contention makes me happy.

To those who are angry or outraged I suggest find a more worthy cause like Darfur. If this team makes it to the playoffs, a 50-50 proposition at this point, then all bets are off. Having said that, have no misconceptions that this team is special because it's a bit better than average and that may be enough in the NFC.

Most games in the NFL are lost, not won and yesterday the Jets found a way to lose. For those of you who are down on the Skins because the Jets dropped passes and "coulda, shoulda woulda" well look around the league. You can make a pretty good living making less mistakes than your opponent.

This season is going to be roller coaster ride so make sure you're strapped in. There are going to be times when the vomit will rise in your stomach and times that you have a smile on your face. Get used to it.

"CL, I have no problem with the analyses - but it would be nice to have it in a constructive context."

I agree completely. I TRY to be a fan who can have fun, sees the big picture and can bring an analytical focus. But I am not gonna sling the crazy hate talk (Snyder being the exception...) b/c I ENJOY liking the team, and its more F-U-N to like them foilbles and all than to bash, bash away....

The bottom line is it has been a ROUGH 16 years AND i am so sick of NOT being in the mix the last 6 games when every other jag-off NFC team is still slugging it out...if we can at least play for something other than the ever hollow "pride" in December, hey at least it will be more entertaining....

Riggo44,

Sorry, I think you are way off base.

Gibbs may have us on a bit of a roller coaster, but, before his return, it was more like a mine shaft. We now at least have some upside.

I think the wisdom of adding Saunders remains to be seen. They are still building the offensive personnel around it and you have to remember that they have been running it with, in essence, a first year QB (I believe the Jets game was his 15th start). The whole league has been saying it takes a full year in Saunders' system to become effective.

Gibbs's drafts have been productive (big improvement over prior administrations) and, given that we pretty much have all our picks next year, he seems to have learned the importance of that aspect of building a team.

Time management has gotten better over the course of this year. There were some high-pressure situations yesterday and I don't think Gibbs & Co. screwed anything up.

Finally, the injuries. This team needs to work on quality depth (see draft picks, above). Still, the way injuries were targeted at their secondary last year and on their o-line this year, there are VERY few, IF ANY, teams that have the depth to withstand that.

Wish Gibbs would extend 2 more years after next to keep building. It takes time to build a champion in this league.

This season is going to be roller coaster ride so make sure you're strapped in. There are going to be times when the vomit will rise in your stomach and times that you have a smile on your face. Get used to it.

Posted by: SeanTizzy2DaHizzy | November 5, 2007 10:37 AM

ST2DH--Um, are you talking about the Redskins, Six Flags, or Johnny Rocket's?

I'm with LiberalMike and would also add that today's a stupid day for people to be complaining about half-time adjustments. Yesterday they were down big at half-time and went on to win the game. Doesn't that speak well of the coaching at half-time? Or are all good things done by players and all bad things by coaches?

I should clarify "hot" - Angry.

Interdivisional rivalry and e'one is dismissing them. Not going to be an easy W.

I wouldn't assess my lack of optimism as a "hater", either, I prefer to call it...

BIG PICTURE.

But I'm definitely confused.

Confused about our play calling.
Confused about the lack of trust in a young QB.
Confused about our special teams failures almost costing us a game against a 1 win team.
Confused how we beat the bag out of the Lions and if season is over, they make playoffs, we don't.
Confused about GG's defensive schemes inconsistancy and failure to stop that first play in OT.
Confused about the penalties on D.

Of course the optimist's answer is "who cares! We won!". Great. 5-3 with the potential to go 5 and 11. Scary thought, huh? Do you really think we could go 11-5? no way. But 5-11 is a serious possibility, isn't it? Confusing.

Looks like we cleared the "we're going to be a running team from here on out" threshold, the same turning point which was a hallmark of our past two seasons. (Putting it on Clinton's shoulders got us to the playoffs, and it can happen again.) I actually saw play action passes later in the game that were set up by all the running. Wow.

Also, SwissHam.

This game had a few positives, however meager, and we got that critical W. Just gotta build on it. Gotta keep playing.

I ain't afeared of these Eagles. I'm not crazy about the idea that 32% of the people in our stadium will be wearing green, but so it goes. This game is for third place in the division! And it's not like we can spend the week resting on the laurels of a massive win. We'll be ready to play.

HAIL.

For everyone harping on the Jets dropped passes and how the Skins "got lucky" let me remind you that on two of the jets scoring drives they converted third downs on tipped passes that were tipped directly into the hands of the INTENDED receiver. each would have been incomplete and resulted in a punt (instead of a FG) and a FG (instead of a TD) if the Jets had not received such lucky deflections. Neither team got lucky in this one (or at least, it was an even amount of luck).

Bottom line, the Jets were a desperate team and, after the kickoff TD, predictably brought their best effort to try and get a much needed win at home. The Skins overcame the lack of confidence from the Pats game to get the win.

Hey, who here thought we had an offense capable of coming back from a two touchdown deficit. Its a GOOD SIGN people. CHEER UP!!

BV26 = nyskinsfan

I told my brother in law what plays the skins would run all game and was about 75% accurate. That's not good. And, dude, they ran the ball to the left all game--that's a fact. I'm a fan. A good one. I just think that we're extremely predictable and we've got to open up our pass game to get decent run production going forward. JLC is right to comment that we can't do what we did on Sunday against most other teams in the league.

And, I'm a huge Sellers fan, but there has got to be a better way to involve him in the offense than those quick routes that he drops probably half of the time. Let him lead the way for Portis/Betts and take couple of handoffs himself.

Our biggest issue, IMO, are the receivers. Write a story about that Jasno. What gives? Are they not getting open? Too short? Certainly now too slow--or maybe their hammys are holding them back?

RB I respect your right to disagree with play calling and the way the team plays. However, you continued personnel attack on Gibbs is really uncalled for. Has he done anything to you? If not why are you continue to attack Gibbs the person? Are you that unhappy with yourself?

Count me in as one of those people happy with the victory. We won. Period. Its a W. Hopefully its a springboad to a winning streak.

Regarding BLloyd, realizing that we cannot simply cut him today, the Redskins need to send him home, the way that the Bucs did to Keyshawn. Thanks for the minimal imput that you gave, but your time here is DONE.

Let's not look past the eagles, though!

Here's to smackin' around ol' Chunky!

ST2DH--Um, are you talking about the Redskins, Six Flags, or Johnny Rocket's?

Posted by: talent_evaluator | November 5, 2007 10:42 AM

Aren't we talking about the double quarter pounder from Johnny Rockets? Wait we are talking about the Redskins? Sorry I'm a little slow it's monday.

In terms of "luck" I'd say the Jets had a few breaks too: There was that interception of Campbell and Jason's overthrow of a wide-open Santana. There was the kickoff return for the TD that opened the game.

I agree with JM220 I like to keep my personal attacks reserved for oppossing teams, and idiot posters.....

Gibbs 2.0 might not be setting the world on fire, but I cant hate the dude.....

I agree with the FB crtisisms (was screaming for a short pass late in the 4th as well....) but lay off the bashing.....bottom line is it just aint that funny....

I agree it's time to send BLloyd home for the season. The Eagles will not be a cake walk but I think we will pull it out.

Nate - I agree with the "running" theory. But that right side will make it difficult to ride that into the playoffs.

Greg - S/be about time to phase in McCardell right? Where the heck is he.

I love Cooley in the slot too. Not enough of that, as the LB's have to spread and cover unless it's nickel. More opp for run.

Portis did look strong, confident, and finally HEALTHY yesterday. Lets spread that O and pound em the right way!

What % are we running 1st down btw? VS NFL? w/be interested to see that.

The Eagles COULD be a cake walk. The Eagles SHOULD be a cake walk. But, if past performance is a guide ...

Riggo44, I know what "befuddled" means....don't you dare question my intelligence!

Pubgolf--Randy Thomas is supposed to be back, and that's something we can ride into the playoffs.

Geeze what's up with all the outrage this morning? Some of you have forgotten the sage advice of a former Jet, luckily I'm here to remind you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMk5sMHj58I

TE -

Hadn't heard that. Where did you see it? I had heard week 16/17 at earliest and slim chance.

That would be huge...I have a funny feeling we'll be skirting .500 when the Vikings and Cowboys games come around. We'll need the running game at 100%.

More:

Very happy with the win. And, are we going to be regulars on ESPN's "jacked-up!" segment? Landry is a beast. The helmet-to-helmet was uncalled for, but the later sack made up for it and then some. I REALLY like our D. I'd say that at least half of our team has an identity.

Oh, and Tank Johnson will be ready for the Skins/Dallas game.
Must beat philly. must.

11/11 vs. Eagles - W
11/18 @ Cowboys - L
11/25 @ Buccaneers - W
12/2 vs. Bills - W
12/6 vs. Bears - W
12/16 @ Giants - W
12/23 @ Vikings - W
12/30 vs. Cowboys - W

12-4 and in the play-offs. 10-6 and still in at worst. Feel free to discuss.

While I want to feel good about the Redskins chances of making the playoffs this season, games like yesterday just makes me sick.

If I look at the NFL this season, i see it as

(1) Great Teams - Patriots and Colts. No one else can hang with them. They are at least 14 pts better than next tier - Good teams. They are also very consistent every week.

(2) Good Teams - Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Packers. They can't compete with the Pats/Colts but they usually beat up on the next tier teams - Above Average by a TD or so. Once in a while, they have bad weeks but overall pretty consistent.

(3) Above Aveage - Lions, Titans, Jaguars, Bucs. Probably a FG to TD below good teams. Although they may compete and win some games vs good teams. They may also have some truly bad games and play down to the level of opposition.

(4) Below Average - Panthers, Saints, Eagles. They have a good solid game now and then but for the most week can't compete with Good teams.

(5) Horrible Horrible Teams - Dolphins, Jets, Cardinals. Absolutely bottom of the barrell. They are very consistent in how bad they are.

So where do the Redskins stack up? We know they are a FG better than Dolphins, Jets, Cardinals...so they are at least "Below Average"

We know they compete for at least one half against Packers and Giants...until they pull a Gibbs 2.0 choke job. So they can't be "Good"

So they are pretty much hovering between "Above average" and "Below Average" with no consistency whatsoever.

I don't expect them to beat the Cowboys. But I don't even know if they can beat the Eagles.

Eagles game this week will be a good test to see if Gibbs 2.0 team is improving as the year goes on or Regressing.

Game 1 vs Eagles
Jansen out and Thomas got hurt. So they are starting the the same 5 lineman that finished Eagles game. If anything, they should be better.

If anything, Portis seemed to be healthier than in first Eagles game. So they should be able to run the ball better.

The Eagles team is more or less unchanged from the first time we faced them. Maybe McNabb is a little more accurate now and maybe a little more likely to run the ball. Other than that more or less the same team.

What will be obvious next week is if Gibbs/Saunders has done a good job coaching up the offense. If we see Jason campbell continue to struglle and if we continue to see Moss make excuses of "oh i suck because they were playing Cover 2"....then we will the team is actually Regressing under Gibbs.

Oh, Tank Johnson will be ready for the Skins game?

I hope someone told him it's BYOB.

To borrow from TMQ: I felt the key moment in the game was when the Jets were driving in the 4th to tie the game, and they showed a shot of the Jets cheerleaders wearing jackets. Yeah, they showed a little bit of the mid-section, but the fact that they couldn't battle the elements without jackets, told me that the football gods would smile on the Skins...and they did. Skins win.

Tank Johnson being ready may actually be a negative for the Girls. He has never played DT in a 3-4 system and has never played with the rest of their defense. They may be better off sticking with the guy they have in there now just for pure chemistry sake.

BV26 - they aren't as predictable as you think or the jets would have stopped them. There's more to running a defense in the NFL than knowing when the other team will run or pass with 75% accuracy.

As for running to the left, just about every dominant running attack in the league favors one side over the other. The steelers make their hay running over Faneca; the seahawks always ran left, the old cowboys always ran over allen. This is not a big deal. It just isn't. If the D starts leaning to our left side, Clinton can cut back right for a big gain, as he did multiple times sunday.

Bigfish, I like where your head is at, but I don't seem them winning 6-in-a-row. I don't see ANY team but the Pats or Colts doing that in the second half. Also, if you're looking at the NFC right now, 10-6 is no guarantee of a playoff spot. Would like to see us go 11-5 (with two wins over Dallas, of course).

NFC was 5-2 versus AFC this weekend. I think the conferences are like .500 against eachother. Don't believe the hype about the AFC being dominant. The best two teams in the league are in the AFC, but so are the worst 2 to 4 teams.

12-4 and in the play-offs. 10-6 and still in at worst. Feel free to discuss.

Posted by: bigfish | November 5, 2007 11:19 AM

11/18 @ Cowboys - L
12/16 @ Giants - L
12/30 vs. Cowboys - W (only if Cowboys rest everyone because they have clinched home field)

The rest of the games are all 50/50 at best for W/L. If they beat the Eagles this week, I say they go 3-2 in other 5 games. If they lose to Eagles, they go 2-3.

So 9-7 at best....more than likely 8-8

I've been noticing a few things about Soup's play:

While he's becoming more comfortable in the pocket, a few things he does actually minimize his effectiveness while there!

He gives up looking at the deep routes too early. Even if it's not available, if a D-back sees the QB eyeing deep, he'll pull off an underneath guy.

Conversely (chuck taylor all starly, even), Jason looks down his outlet receiver too much. This keep the D-Back & any linebackers focused on the underneath play.

I understand how these conditions could come about, given our ineffectiveness downfield, he won't get success on either if there's no run game. Obviously, once the run game gets better, the D will have more to worry about than where Soup is looking, but it's still a big 'tell' he needs to work on!

Hail!

Mike, my Kool-Aid is still flowing strong. We are capable of beating all 6 of those last teams. Whether it will acually happen or not remains to be seen but we are capable. Haters will think I'm crazy for predicting a win against the Girls but when it comes to Skins/Girls games all records and prior performance get tossed out the window.

That's a lot of Koolaid to be drinking if you think this team can win 6 in a row.

They have trouble winning 2 in a row.

That's why I call myself a Redskins fan.

He gives up looking at the deep routes too early. Even if it's not available, if a D-back sees the QB eyeing deep, he'll pull off an underneath guy.

With this O Line he can't look too long deep without getting crush.

I am still going 10-6

mmz - But this team will get better, not worse. We'll get Randy back towards the end, too. It's possible. I'm still on 10-6, though

Problems with the passing game?

One one-wr sets, they keep putting Thrash out there. They do that because the two midgets Moss/ARE can't run block. Since Thrash never ever catches the ball, that's pretty much a run only set.

On deep throws in last couple of weeks, its been Thrash running deep. Campbell has hit him perfectly on a few deep ones...but Thrash either (a) run out of bound (b) gets called for offensive pass interference or (c) flat out drop the passes.

On Moss deep patterns, he just gives up. "Oh woe is me...they are playing Cover 2...i will just stop running my route"

On the few times that Moss is open...he either drop perfectly thrown passes or Campbell overthrows him by 10 yards.

If Gibbs wants to win, he needs to really do everything to get Lloyd involved. Those one WR sets would be a lot more effective with Lloyd in there. Failing to reach Lloyd, McCardell is a much better choice than Thrash.

Right now whenever Redskins go 3 WR with Thrash on the field, their opponentst can cover Thrash with a DT. That's how bad Thrash is as a reciever....i love his special teams play but come on Gibbs..open your eyes.

I stopped by the home for retired librarians and they had a pick-up game against the society for CPA's. The CPA's run an offence with more imagination and execution that the Skins'. Maybe Gibbs can pick-up a copy of the play book...

jm, he's buying time enough & his pocket presence is improving. It's an adjustment you see in more seasoned QBs - even Romo.

It's the same amount of time to execute the underneath play, it's just a change in how he needs to distribute his glance.

He's definitely looking the defender into the play.

"Guess we have to start with the run game. I want to start by saying that Portis ran hard and he ran well and that was a great effort. I also want to point out they were facing a very weak defense that seemed must better equipped to blitz out of the 3-4 than to stop the run. Clinton ran 36 times - as many as he ever has for the Skins - and got 196, his most in Washington"...."For as much credit as Clinton got, Betts did a great job of running hard and with purpose after Clinton delivered some big runs, and Ladell averaged 7.1 yards per carry on nine rushes, but that was really 7 for 35 excluding the two garbage draws he ran (Portis averaged 5.4). I got the feeling Marcus Mason could have come off the practice squad in the fourth quarter and ripped up a few long ones."

Why does this guy continue to hate on Portis? Give em' his 'props' this week my man.

mmz - But this team will get better, not worse. We'll get Randy back towards the end, too. It's possible. I'm still on 10-6, though

Posted by: shuttledik | November 5, 2007 11:39 AM

If the Redskins are 8-6 going into Vikings game on the 23rd of December with Randy Thomas back, I will drink the Koolaid.

Right now, I don't even see them beating the Eagles Sunday.

Gibbs needs to have the same conversation with Moss as he did with Portis last week. I know a lot of people disagree but I think the coaching staff and their unwillingness to play Lloyd has hurt the passing game.

Gibbs needs to have the same conversation with Moss as he did with Portis last week. I know a lot of people disagree but I think the coaching staff and their unwillingness to play Lloyd has hurt the passing game.

Posted by: bigfish | November 5, 2007 11:46 AM

I don't disagree. I was calling for Lloyd to take Moss's spot early in 1st quarter against Packers after seeing how much Moss is dogging it out there.

Wish the coaching staff pulled that move before Moss lost the game for us.

With Donovan healthier they should be a better team. Being at home I give us the nod here.

It's so hard to guess what this team (far less the other teams it will play) will look like in 6 weeks with injuries and all. That this point we can afford to lose another DB or OL, Griff, LFB or OLB until Washington comes back so any prediction of a team or game is tenuous.

It looks to be a safe bet that we will improve on last years record i'd say this team has the look of an 8- or 9-7 team.

What have the Eagles don since we last played them to make you think we can't beat them? It's pretty much the same game except this time it's at our house.

Sometime in the second half we converted a third down with a throw, and I noticed that ARE was in the area (not the intended receiver of the throw), and he had turned and stopped at least 1.5 yards on the bad side of the sticks, with a defender right on top of him. In other words, if Soup had thrown to him, and he had caught it, he would almost certainly have been stopped short of the first down. We converted that one, but it still drives me nuts.

Why do these guys so often run third down routes that put them short of the marker? Can't they see the big yellow line? Come on already, dudes!

"5. Injuries happen to every team; can't keep using that as an excuse. The NFL is a battle of attrition. Whoever can field the best replacement parts usually walks off with the trophy."

Riggo44, this is nonsense. Not complete nonsense, mind you, but still not really true most of the time.

Usually, the team that wins the Super Bowl is the team that suffers the fewest amount of injuries to key players. There's a certain threshold of injuries that no team can overcome -- what has happened to the Rams this season is a prime example. There are only so many linemen you can lose before your team tanks.

I agree that good backups are very important, but good health is much more important. If you lose too many guys for the season -- especially if they play similar positions -- you're toast.

Greeeeeg! nice one.

mmz - WTsjk?!? BLloyd?! That's your answer?!

Mr. MMZ, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

-SuttleDIK Madison

I really think we need to pull for 11-5. No guarantees at 10-6.

Also, we need to be big Packers fans. We don't want the Lions winning that division because we could then wind up in a tiebreaker with GB, who beat us. We want Detroit to be going for the wild card.

I believe that hte game last night against the Cowgirls, signaled the end of Philly's dominance over this division. It is over. I think they may be ready to pack it in for an era and reload this team after the season.

Let's see Dikhead...

You want to praise Moss because you know "He beat the Cowboys in 2005 man".

You want to forget he did nothing in 2006. You want to forget that he has done nothing in 2007 other than single handedly losing the Packers game.

But all is forgiven when it comes to Moss because you know "he beats the Cowboys in 2005"

But you want to keep blaming Lloyd because the coaches don't even play him. Give him same number of chances they are giving Thrash...I will bet you he makes more plays than Thrash.

But please continue to live in 2005 and fantasize about Moss beating Cowboys.

bigfish - you too?!

People - BLloy is a bllight on this receiving corpse. He cost us more than his frekkin' contract, he made us add all those other receivers too.

If he was worth his salt, he woulda been on that bus. He wasn't. Write him off.

ga8085,

Meet Norv Turner. He is famous for being the O-coordinator in Dallas during their back to back super bowls in the early 90's.
His next job: HC of the Washington Redskins.

I agree Jerry Jones won't let him get away, but it has happend before.

What have the Eagles don since we last played them to make you think we can't beat them? It's pretty much the same game except this time it's at our house.

Posted by: bigfish | November 5, 2007 11:53 AM

It's not what the Eagles have done...it's how much the Redskins (particularly Jason Campbell and the recievers) have regressed since the Eagles game.

The difference yesterday is that Fabini and Wade finally started knocking people back.

Maybe someone on the team finally called them out. Either way, if they keep playing consistently on the right side, we should be able to run effectively.

I watched a bit of the game yesterday and then gave up - to me it was as dull as Nate feared it might be. The Jets won't be a one-win team (they still have to play us again) but the aren't very good either.

That said, I didn't think the Clots/Pats game lived up to its hype yesterday either. I hate to give props to Dallas, but they basically had their way with Philly yesterday. The fumble on the first play took the fans out of the equation and then they never looked back. I think you'll have your hands full with them.

Cheer up guys, 5-3 isn't bad, and you're still in the hunt. You're going to have to fight hard for a wild-card spot though because it looks like the Giants/Dallas and the Lions will wrap those up. The Lions? I can't believe I said that. But being in the hunt is good - it could be worse, you could be the Seahawks!!

And watch out for the Saints and Vikings too, I think they will be in the playoff hunt by season's end. You guys may even need to beat the Vikings to make it.

It should be a fun rest of the season.

Blloyd did not make us add any receivers. The coaching staff not even giving him a shot because of one play in the Dolphins game is what made us add receivers. And I thought he wasn't on the bus because he missed a meeting or was late or something. I agree with mmz's post at 11:58 minus the whole "dikhead" thing.

The scapegoat was Portis last week. Now it's time for Moss to get some criticism:-)

Lloyd doesn't need to be taking anyone's spot. But like Jason, I, too, am confused as to why McCardell can't get any run. All he does is catch balls. He's a great possession guy, too. I'm ticked that he doesn't get in the game. For that matter, why are they still throwing deep to Thrash? That makes no sense to me.

Jason, I think you need to write a story about how McCardell can't see any time and about why deep balls go non-deep threats like Thrash.

I still don't buy into the Detroit Lions, sorry.

Although they are 6-2 now, they have road games @Arizona, @Minnesota, @San Diego, and @Green Bay.... And their home games are against the GIANTS, DALLAS, GREEN BAY and KANSAS CITY.

We'll see what their record is at the end.

I think the post is adjusting their clocks for DST.

The sad part is that Thrash has played in every game and has 1 more catch and 2 more yards than Lloyd has this season.

All year long we've been hearing in the media about how much stronger the AFC teams are than the NFC teams. Well, we're at the half-way point of the season (sort of) and the record is 20 wins for the AFC and 19 for the NFC.

I'm not buying any more media hype about the dominance of the AFC. Sounds pretty even to me.

MMZ,

Obviously you've been huffin' paint again. Because you're the one in delusional land. (really original insult, btw - where did you come up with it??)

Brandon Lloyd will see time on this field if he decides he ever wants to play football and not just be an entertainer. And he'll have to do some maaaaajor suckin' up.

I don't know what team you've been watching, but the routes are read before the ball is snapped. The line has been in disarray - and you have a third year QB learning how to play in the NFL.

How open did you want Santana on that deep route? And didn't the Detroit game where Soup was NFC offensive player of the week come AFTER the last iggles game.

"Maps"

Liberal Mike, You are wrong. The Jets could not have stopped us if they knew our playcalling. Their D line is small and gets pushed around every week. Hence 1-7

Hold up, Dik, now it's against the rules to flail about with subjective BS? Crap...

How open did you want Santana on that deep route? And didn't the Detroit game where Soup was NFC offensive player of the week come AFTER the last iggles game.

Posted by: shuttledik | November 5, 2007 12:14 PM

Guess who wasn't playing when Jason Campbell was Offensive Player of the Week...YEP that will be your boy Moss not sucking out on the field.

Maybe Campbell actually reads his progression and distribute the ball better when Moss isn't out there dogging it.

Maybe Redskins are better without Moss out there whining about Cover 2.

But hey...continue to live in 2005 Dikhead

Im getting tired of these heart attack games, but I guess thats the way itll be this year. Norv is the worst coach out there, he should not have gotten that job in the first place, stupid for even bringing his name up in here unless its for bashing it.

HIRE JASON GARRETT TO REPLACE GIBBS.

You probaby forgot Moss didn't play against the Lions didn't you Dikhead? Come on...fess up.

HIRE JASON GARRETT TO REPLACE GIBBS.

Posted by: peterandmeredith | November 5, 2007 12:19 PM

Actually when Gibbs 2.0 leaves after this season, I would really like to see a Younger Offensive guy takes over.

At first I thought Cowher would be good here. But really more and more I think about it, i think the staff needs an infusion of young minds.

Yes Peter let's hire an O coordinator with no Head Coaching experience from the Dallas Cowboys. What could possibly go wrong? Why does that sound familiar? No thanks.

Gibbs isn't going anywhere after this season.

His contract runs through the 2008 season.

GARRETT IS NOT NORV TURNER.

ST2DH - That's the first thought that came to my mind as well. F the Cowboys! I don't want any coach coming from that organization.

mmz114,

You commented that the Saints are "below average" - hello???? They have won 3 straight and appear to be back to their winning ways....I absolutely see them making the playoffs.

Yes Peter let's hire an O coordinator with no Head Coaching experience from the Dallas Cowboys. What could possibly go wrong? Why does that sound familiar? No thanks.

Posted by: SeanTizzy2DaHizzy | November 5, 2007 12:23 PM

Is Norv really any worse than Gibbs 2.0?

Let's look at Norv's team...his starting recievers were Westbrook & Connell....really....CONNELL!!!!! Sucker Punch and Wallet Thief.

He had no TE of Cooley's caliber.

His only weapon was Steven Davis.

Norv did far more with less talent than Gibbs had done with a lot more talent on the team.

Good day everyone.

As always, I can't be too excited when the Redskins win. Too many let downs in previous years to get hyped, especially against the Jets. I won't point out everything wrong with the team, however this team has a long way to go if they expect to be competing in late Dec.

Has anyone seen Wayne P. lately? I think baked crow should be his choice for lunch today.
I know this sounds corny, but CP made me shed a tear yesterday. I have SO much respect for that guy, and it was obvious that his confidence was shaken through the first seven games. I will support Clinton Portis until the day he retires.

The Gibbs bashing must stop. I think Gibbs should step down at the end of the season, but I don't think he should be attacked as a man. As far as coaching, I couldn't understand why he chose to run it three straight times before sending in the kicker in OT. I have respect and admiration for Gibbs, no other coach has accomplished what he has in D.C. but its time for him to go. Playing not to loose will get you in trouble in todays NFL.

If anyone thinks you can run the ball 48 times against the Eagles, Cowboys, or Vikings, keep dreaming. It ain't going down. Campbell must start to become more accurate on his throws so the coaching staff will have confidence in him taking shots downfield.

Anyway, good win. As someone pointed out earlier 5-3 is miles better than 4-4. I just hope they keep it up...

All year long we've been hearing in the media about how much stronger the AFC teams are than the NFC teams. Well, we're at the half-way point of the season (sort of) and the record is 20 wins for the AFC and 19 for the NFC.

I'm not buying any more media hype about the dominance of the AFC. Sounds pretty even to me.

Yes, and Norv is now doing a bang-up job in San Diego... Talent all over the joint, and they're 4-4.

LOL

I have to agree. Even though Lloyd has been a bust, the coaches seem to have a personal vendetta against him. When he is in th game, they rarely throw to him anyway. I have no idea why they are throwing deep to Thrash, no idea why McCardell isn't out there either. Does Gibbs have a gripe with McCardell now? Did Keenan steal his geratol or something?

Dik and mmz, I'm trying to figure out why this has all gotten so personal. As a Skins non-fan, part of what makes/made it interesting 'up here' is the accord given to contrary points of view. I think you guys should just agree to differ and then move on.

There is a school of thought that says that players/coaches should be given credit for past good times when they aren't so good in the present. That would applied to pretty much everyone in the Skins team last year after 2005 - although it wore out for Brunell much more quickly because of 2004.

Grilliams has made a comeback, Gibbs has arguably made a comeback too, as has Portis in flashes, but Santana hasn't shown much really for quite a while now.

Either way people should just decide if they think they are on the "he's done" or "he'll be back" bus for any given player or coach and then respect the fact that others will not always agree.

Everyone has the same data to work from but is missing the most important piece; you have NO idea what will happen next week/month or season. It can't be extrapolated from previous data, that's why they have to play the games. If it could, Brett Favre would probably be TWO years into a well-earned retirement and Green Bay would most probably be a struggling 2-6 team with people calling for Aaron Rogers' and Mike McCarthy's heads.

mmz114,

You commented that the Saints are "below average" - hello???? They have won 3 straight and appear to be back to their winning ways....I absolutely see them making the playoffs.

Posted by: Lisa | November 5, 2007 12:25 PM

Why HELLLOOO Lisaaaaaa

Let's see Saints beat

49ers - who i would rank as HORRIBLE
Atlanta - who i would rank as HORRIBLE
Seahwaks - who i would rank as Below Average
Jaguars with 3rd string QB - which would be Below Average (different story if Gerard starts)

Good news, Sheperd might miss the Skins game again with that knee. I'm crossing my fingers they hold him out next Sun. so maybe Moss can have a decent game like the first time around. That is if Gibbs remembers what they did the first time around.

I just hope Yoder or Sellers knock Dawkins out cold again Sunday.

Oh, okay MMZ is just a troll. Dik, have at it.

Norv Turner is only validating the majority who think he is a good play caller and an awful head coach. Single handedly ruining a 14-2 team.

Tough for Quinn Gray to be an effective QB when he can not seee out of his helmet. What is up with Jax and their love of the same kind of QB's?

I must admit I gave up on us yesterday when we went down 14. Can we please deactivate LLoyd so we never have to mention or hear his name again. What a money stealing worthless POS.

Oh, okay MMZ is just a troll. Dik, have at it.

Posted by: Redcoat | November 5, 2007 12:33 PM

I always knew you like Diks

Nice post RC.

We questioned Portis and the line last week and look what happened. Now we need to channel that energy on Moss, Soup and ARE too. It will work.

Everyone sucks and should be replaced by their backup.

Is Norv really any worse than Gibbs 2.0?

MM,

In one word, Yes. In four words Yes, yes he is. In five words Yes, yes by any measure. In 10 words...well you get the picture.

KoolAidDefinition of Troll - (noun) - Any person who disgree that Redskins will go 13-3 for the year and win the SuperBowl.

MMZ, even the Colts couldn't put 41 points on Jax' defense as the Saints did yesterday. I'm with Lisa, I think they are a 4-4 team on the rise.

Gerrard doesn't play defense for them, so what does him being missing have to do with anything?

Regarding Grilliams' adjustments, I was glad to see him blitz as that was called for. He had such success against the Lions without blitzing I think he now would like to avoid blitzing if he can. Offenses around the league are better nowadays at picking up blitzes. But what he never seemed to adjust to was Clemmens' mobility. Whenever they were just rushing four the ends would rush up the field, taking themselves out of the play and allowing Clemmens to scramble. A QB like Clemmens you need to contain.

As far as the comments about JC, Gibbs has always been reluctant to trust a young QB. In Gibbs 1.0 they rarely played a young QB. Ripone rode the bench a long while before he got in the game. And the fumbles last week against the Pats I'm sure only reinforced JG's predeliction towards going it slow in developing his young QB. That and the make-shift OL have dictated that the O stresses the conservative, which basically will limit passes to the wide-outs and asks JC to hit the short man sooner than some would like.

And even if they or their apologists were to stop using the injuries to the OL as an excuse, that wouldn't change the fact we have who we have on the line. Stopping the excuses isn't going to make a Fabrini into a Grimm.

MMZ, your logic is infallable and the scintillating diatribe is just a treat.

[:-|

I'm just answering your points, jackhole - while you just seem to flail about with subjective BS based on your masturbatory fantasies of Receiver, The.

Moss not playing in the Detroit game is immaterial because I was addressing your comment re: Campbell & receivers being worse after the Iggles game.

I commented on this in ... oh.. August. Moss & Campbell haven't synched yet & may never. I hope that's not the case - but you want to throw away a former probowl caliber receiver for a headcase.

And Lloyd DID cause us to do all that receiver drafting, 'cause if he was at ALL useable, he would be out there.

I'm sorry all you GMs to be don't have your own teams to play with... I know you'd be so much better than an HOF er like Gibbs.

As far as the personal attacks - I quoted Billy Madison and MMZ's panties got in a wad. Quit huffin the ether.

"Maps"

Just for the record, Gerrard's backup is horrible.

In one word, Yes. In four words Yes, yes he is. In five words Yes, yes by any measure. In 10 words...well you get the picture.

Posted by: SeanTizzy2DaHizzy | November 5, 2007 12:34 PM

You know I would agreee except that 2nd to last year before Norv got fired....he went 10-6.

The year that he got fired...he lost Westbrook for the season. His starting recievers were Thrash and Connell. I think College teams have better startign recievers than Thrash/Connell.

Tre Johnson also went down at the start of the season for Norv.

Let's not forget the revolving door of FG Kickers that year that kept missing 30 yard field goals that cost a few wins.

They couldn't afford a real FG Kicker because they tied up too much money on Deion, Bruce, Carrier that year.

Even with all that, Norv has his team contending for playoff spot when Danny axed him.

So yeah... I think Norv did at least as good a job as Gibbs 2.0

One coach who did a better job than both Gibbs and Norv....MARTY!!!

The Saints are hot right now, yes.

And only a game behind the Bucs in the NFC South.

Panthers are done without Delhomme or at least Testaverde; Carr is absolutely terrible at QB.

BV26,

You must not know much about football. Fact is, the Jets are still in the NFL. To say they wouldn't be able to stop when they know exactly what is coming 75% of the time is ridiculous. I could stop the Pats with the Terps defense if I knew exactly what was coming (maybe not quite, but you get my point). You would just line up in a position where the play cannot work. Don't be foolish.

Its a common mistake by people who oversimplify the game. It isn't just run or pass. Its not even right right or run left. There are all different kinds of runs that have to be defensed in totally different ways - stretch plays, gap plays, pulling linemen, counters, misdirection draws. You think you know what is coming, but you don't.

And its not just the Jets that could not stop our "75% predictable offense" when they needed to. Its the Eagles (who most people think still have a pretty good D and a great coordinator), the Packers (we lost that game, they didn't win it), and the Lions (6-2).

KoolAidDefinition of Troll - (noun) - Any person who disgree that Redskins will go 13-3 for the year and win the SuperBowl.

Posted by: mmz114 | November 5, 2007 12:35 PM

Wrong. A troll is someone who calls people "dikheads" or says that someone "likes diks" or uses the caps lock key. We're all adults up here (other than Jack's kids) so let's try to act like it once in a while.

Thanks RC,

I guess I need to get the bootz out.

Suitin' up!

Stomp Stomp

I commented on this in ... oh.. August. Moss & Campbell haven't synched yet & may never. I hope that's not the case - but you want to throw away a former probowl caliber receiver for a headcase.

Posted by: shuttledik | November 5, 2007 12:37 PM

Learn to read Dikhead...my comment was that Lloyd should have replaced Moss in Packers game. In fact I said this in 1st quarter of the Packers game when Moss was dropping everything.

For now, What I am saying is Lloyd should at least be getting the plays that Thrash is.

The only reciever who has done less than Moss this year is Thrash.

Oh, please. Norv had one playoff year in 7 seasons in Washington.

Gibbs 2.0 has one playoff year in 3 seasons, and possibly a second playoff appearance this season.

Ha, we're comparing Gibbs 2.0 to Norv.

Just make the move to bring Jason Garrett in to replace Gibbs 2.0.

Jason Garrett?

Based on what? 8 games?

Besides, he looks like frigging Opie Taylor.

No thanks.

The reality is the Skins are two to three years away from seriously contending for anything. And that is if they draft well.

Gibbs is a fine coach, that was made exponentially better by Bobby Beathard. Once Danny boy realizes this and hires a quality GM, we may see some results. Until then, it's white knuckle time.

Maybe bring him in to run the offense. He might have a scheme more complex than, run, run, pass. And maybe he can teach Campbell to throw something other than screens, digs and slants.

I don't think Garrett is going anywhere. Jones has alredy anointed him as "coach in waiting" at Dallas. He'd have all the resources he could want in Dallas and a brand new stadium too - and waht looks like a half-way decent team.

I know that the Rooney Rule doesn't permit that outright, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen somehow anyway. It only ensures minority candidates get an interview, not the job.

mmz114 you question have to be a joke. He takes a 14-2 team with the best RB in the game and have them at 4-4. You LT the ball only 14 times yesterday. Come on man!

Posted by: jm220 | November 5, 2007 12:57 PM

Two points....

One...how many teams win when the other team's RB rushes for 300 yards and 3 TDs. Not a lot that's for damn sure. Not to mention Redskins have to play them...that Peterson is a beast.

Two...my statement is that Norv is no WORSE than Gibbs 2.0. Never that Norv is a GOOD coach. Big difference.

Finally, what most Redskins fans hated about Norv during his era was how inconsistent him teams were. They play down to level of competition and find ways to lose games. After the games, Norv always seem apologetic about the teams efforts. That made you sick as a Redskins fan.

Isn't that exactly what Gibbs 2.0 has been doing last 4 years. After every Loss it's always "they fought their guts out...i am so proud of them...no better group of guys....lord willing".

That's not Gibbs. That's Norv style coaching.

mmz14,

So you are saying that Norv had better success than Gibbs 2.0?

May I have some of what you're inhaling?

Seriously, I respect your opinion, but in this case I'm going to agree to disagree. Although Gibbs at times during his second go, makes me wonder if he is capable of coaching in this era, you can't deny the fact he has put this team in the right direction. All of the playmakers/stars on the team, Gibbs is responsible for that. Most importantly, giving the fans a sense of hope: Gibbsy baby. I never really had confidence in a Norv Turner team. Look no further than the San Diego Superchargers for proof. It seems everywhere he goes the defense gets the life sucked out of them.

Redcoat
You're right.Any talk of the Skins bringing in Garrett is ludicrous. There's no way in Hades Jones would let that guy go, especially to a division rival? Come on, next topic please.

Fine, if we can't get Garrett, then let's hire Moose. He knows everything about football. Right?

I keed, I keed.

Lloyd had more yards last year in his worst season of his career than Thrash has had in the last 3 years combined. I know the majority of folks up here cannot and will not support Lloyd but Thrash? Come on Thrash? The only place for him is on special teams and besides one return where he fumbled and got lucky that Cartwright was there to recover, he has not done anything there either. Thrash is only around because Gibbs is Mr. Loyalty.

How about Russ Grimm?

mmz114 you question have to be a joke. He takes a 14-2 team with the best RB in the game and have them at 4-4. You LT the ball only 14 times yesterday. Come on man!

Liberal Mike. You're right, I don't know that much about football. So, it's a pretty big indicator of predictability when I can tell my bro and law who is going to get the ball and where they are going to get the ball on offense 75% of the time.

Are you really saying that we dominated any team on offense other than maybe the Lions? Seriously, I'm just trying to understand the point(s) you're making.

That stat about nonexistent WR production on our team is weird and troublesome.

Who broke the blog?

Look out for flex scheduling for Skins/ Girls game.

"While I'm on the topic of flex scheduling, keep in mind that NBC makes its first selection Tuesday, subject to league approval. Currently, Chicago at Seattle is the nighttime matchup for Nov. 18. There are several more attractive games on the slate that day, including Cleveland at Baltimore, Washington at Dallas, Carolina at Green Bay, Kansas City at Indianapolis, San Diego at Jacksonville and the New York Giants at Detroit. Surely, NBC will opt to air one of those six games."