Stat of the Week:

Only four teams won on the road this week!

Washington
Philly (Thanks again)
NYG
Dallas

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Great win. Challenging the fumble with 12 men on the field. BRILLIANT!!!! Call of the year.

It looked like Gibbs was finally finally finally an NFL coach who KNEW what he was doing.

Nice to see Santana making plays again -- I'm sure Campbell is wondering why he didn't show up for him -- but thats a story for another day.

WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!
WE WANT DALLAS!

forget about Romo, Owens, and Newman. Hopefully they will rest Demarcus BeWare.

Great stat... all four NFC East teams winning on the road this weekend. With the Redskins poised for a playoff spot it's amazing that the NFC East is so clearly dominant. Playing these backyard-esque games really make men out of our boys out there. Looks like we might be set up for a NFC East NFC Championship game. That would be brutal.

Merry Christmas Jasno and Cindy! Thanks for another fun year on the blog. I'm waddling off to get some stuff done and will be back in a few days as well.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Is it just me, or is anyone else tired of watching LaVar Arrington on Redskins Post Game Live on Comcast Sportsnet? His "dislike" for the Redskins is more relevant everytime he appears on the show and I for one find it appauling.

Anyway, Bring on the Cowgirls. I'm ready to beat some Jessica Simpson lovin Tony Romo's ass and watch the Skins take charge in the post season. We've done it once under Gibbs winning 6 in a row....let's make it 4 in a row on Sunday and get in the playoffs.

Download Jessica Simpson mask/sign for the game! Hilarious.

http://www.ruinromo.com/

Is it just me, or is anyone else tired of watching LaVar Arrington on Redskins Post Game Live on Comcast Sportsnet? His "dislike" for the Redskins is more relevant everytime he appears on the show and I for one find it appauling.

Posted by: mlewis31 | December 24, 2007 02:25 PM

Nice business move, isn't it? He's running a restaurant and he's trying to attract...Redskins fans or Cowboys fans?

He's trying to sell a line "love the fans, hate the owner" which he pushed last week in the New York Times. I'm not sure that's how he comes across, though.

Jasno--

Great post and analysis. Thanks to you and Cindy for running this joint. All in all, I'd rather be here than LaVar's.

Great takes Jasno, I thought the coaching staff on both sides of the ball had some great game plans to combat the Vikings. I admit after struggling through Coach Gibbs through most of the year, I thought he had one of his best games since coming back to the NFL in 04. Also the young guns on Defense had an awesome game. Just a great win, and I have to say, being a Redskins fan in South Dakota and hearing from Viking rubes all week about how they are going to kill the Skins it is just great to see the Redskins come away with a win. You can't get a much better gift than this.

I had a college buddy from Sioux Falls. He used to say in South Dakota there was a beautiful woman behind every tree. Problem is, there aren't any trees :)

Great game. The Redskins are playing like brothers, and I think that's the difference. They're simply not about to let their teammates down by dropping balls, drawing flags, or missing tackles.

I think the coaches have some of this spirit as well. Williams opened his bag of tricks all the way, and Saunders is using pages 200 - 700 of the playbook with confidence. Some of that has to do with Todd being at QB, I'm sure. But I also think there's an element to the Redskins that they play their best ball in desperation mode. They get conservative and tentative when they have something to lose. I think that's why we've blown so many second half leads. These guys need their backs against the wall.

That's why Dallas scares me a bit. If big D doesn't play their starters, do the Redskins take this game for granted? I hope not. I hope Gibbs can put the fear of God into them, and make them realize how big a trap this could be.

On to Gibbs. I've written that he should do some soul searching to decide if he's the guy who can get the rest of this job done for the Redskins next year. None of that changes. He's on the upswing right now for sure, and reminding everyone of why he's already in Canton. But he needs to be real honest with himself if he can do this for 19 games next year, and what's been different from these games to some of his foggier efforts. Only Joe knows for sure, and that's all I've ever asked. If his honest opinion is that his Mojo is intact, then I'd be thrilled to see him back, whether or not we beat Dallas.

Great creative move by Williams to switch Daniels and Carter on the D line. Sometimes that move doesn't work. The 49ers moved Chris Doleman to the other side one year and about 5 games in, realized he was only effective in one spot ad moved him back.

Carter probably would have been overmatched had he stayed put. Instead, they all played well.

Happy Holidays Jason,thanks for the blog
Nice to go into it with a chance of the playoffs, kudos to the Skins coaches for calling a great game on both sides of the ball
Best Wishes to all
Barrie

Dallas scares me too, especially considering NO and MIN are both playing non-playoff teams. Look what happened to the Packers yesterday against a rival playing only for pride. Who saw that coming? Don't forget, they still hate us and they're at 13-2 team. We'll still need our A game. Joe's already a proven commodity when it comes to getting teams ready for elimination games so they'll be ready play. Just remember Dallas will too.

Well, time to leave work to do the family thing. My wife's sisters Patty and Selma are coming and my brother-in-law with a full grown St. Bernard to try and destroy the furniture and eat everybody's dinner. Good times! I gotta work tomorrow so I'll be on RI if anyone else will also. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Not scared of Dallas, but pretty sure it's going to be a dogfight (we can use that word again, right? too soon?) at FedEx.

Even if some of their stars are sitting, the dudes who are playing want to look good -- I guarantee some of their lesser lights have dollar signs in their eyes about cashing in on a big playoff run.

And you know that even if the game has no bearing on their seeding, they won't want to go into the playoffs with a loss. They don't want to spend two weeks thinking about the roar of FedEx. That has to count for something.

And it's a rivalry game, no matter how many times we're told it has lost its luster. You know they would LOVE to keep us out of the playoffs... the top seed playing spoiler, on our field. It has to occur to them how sweet that would be.

So who the heck knows what approach the Cowboys will take. Honestly, I don't care. I know what approach the Skins will take, which is the same balance, vigilance, and maps-infused lust for mayhem we've seen the past three weeks.

Come on, you lads, come on!

(Good grief, this is exciting. A shot at the playoffs! Who'd have thought?!)

Merry merry merry!
-Nate in the PDX

JS -- The same Patty and Selma that work down at the DMV? Nice ...

Somehow it eluded me that there was a Bob Saunders in the mix...

http://www.redskins.com/team/cprofile.jsp?id=15759

Nate,

Looks like Bob has gone a little soft after the Colts super bowl victory. It's amazing how a little success can change a guy :)

I'm off to pelt Santa with snowballs. Happy holidays to all.

Adam

Great game. One of the Skins best overall efforts in years. (Though Teams sagged a bit with the blown snap and not so great coverage). The D was Bears '85 almost and the O-Line is playing it's best ball of the year. The last two games they have been consistently prying open holes for the RB's and the blitz pickups have been great.

However, maybe the most important thing that has happened lately is that for the first time this season, the skill position players are finally healthy. Something that has not been the case going back to preseason. So, we are finally seeing some of the explosiveness in this offense that we were looking forward to back in training camp.

That, along will Todd's ability to run the offense in his sleep is making all of the difference. They can hit the big play a lot more consistently now and are being smart in finally getting the ball in CP's hands in open space. You also notice a lot fewer three and outs lately and that is huge for a very banged-up D that can get some much needed rest on the sidelines. Along with the great play of the youngbloods of this D.

Funny thing, I had a dream about 10 days ago that the Skins got in as a wild-card, won the Super Bowl and Gibbs gave a retirement speech. Who knows, in the this most insane of all seasons, who is to say it cannot happen?

Pardon me if I've missed this update: Has Freakzilla shared details of his second man-date with his gentleman friend?

So how did we do regarding the Boren Holiday Ultomato anyway?

Merry Christmas to everyone!

How did we do, tafka? Even though kost52 is well into his eggnog by now, sprawled across a pile of gift wrap, it's not yet Christmas in this hemisphere.

My guess is that we'll be a few hundred comments short, at deadline.

Not well on the Toddimatum, but perhaps it was overly optimistic. We're at 138,519.

Maybe we'll make it by kickoff of the first playoff game?

Greg Williams is coaching his rear off. Love those two young tackles; Montgomery is really picking his game up.

I still would like to know what the heck happened last year. The defense was just horrible; poorly coached, et cetera.

And it's pretty obvious that Collins just recognizes things much more quickly than JC. Understandable - 12+ years versus 1-2.

Hopefully, this time next year JC will have that recognization skill himself.

JG will have a tough choice for the playoffs if both are available.

JC or TC?

I think you go with Jason.

LaVar Arrington is annoying. I liked him as a player, but as a commentator he stinks.

Brad Johnson is an old, wily veteran who doesn't make many mistakes. I think the Redskins win this game, but Joe Gibbs has to keep them focused.

Does anyone find it interesting that Ray Brown does nothing but stare into the camera? Does he not like Chick Hernandez or is it something else... it's got me thinking...

Let's beat the Cowboys and take it all the way. We are the only team that should've beat all of the "powerhouses" in the NFC. All of those close losses will become DOMINATING victories in the playoffs!

Some of the comments here are laughable. We want Dallas? Bring on the Cowgirls? Let's not forget that Dallas is 13-2; they didn't get there by accident. I worry that this will be a letdown game, that the 'Skins will think that Dallas will lay down due to already clinching homefield. Gotta keep the foot on the gas.

Even if they rest some guys, not like their backups are slouches. This is going to be a tough game, will take an "A" effort.

If Collins advances them beyond the first round of the playoffs the "Future" may be on hold for awhile. We dont' need more 4th quarter turnovers

Pardon me if I've missed this update: Has Freakzilla shared details of his second man-date with his gentleman friend?

Posted by: TheCindy | December 24, 2007 03:49 PM

TheCindy, I'm amused and fascinated by your amusement and fascination. :)

Anyway, it was lovely, in a purely macho, hetero way. ;)

We even exchanged gifts. I'd ordered several of the Sean Taylor memorial towels (the kind they handed out at the game, not the newer kind) from Redskins.com, and I took him one of those, since he's got scads of Skins memorabilia and figured he'd appreciate it.

During the second half, he disappeared upstairs during a commercial and when he came back down, he presented me with a game-worn Brad Edwards wristband. Pretty freakin' sweet, since I loved watching Edwards blow guys up.

So it was a good time with him and his fam, then home to my fam-in-law for traditional Swedish pea soup and ham. Yesterday was a very good day all around.

I got a little nervous when you said he disappeared upstairs (in my experience, the reappearance can be a dicey thing....). Sounds like you and your gentleman friend have a very nice relationship.

Thanks for pointing out Johnson. As ricky says, I'm a little scared of the guy. All he does is get counted out and win.

WHO WILL WIN BACKUP BOWL 2008 (it's like car years, one ahead)? JOHNSON OR COLLINS? CAN SNYDER GET REDSKINS ONE FIRED UP QUICKLY ENOUGH TO RESIGN JEFF GEORGE BEFORE THE GAME BEGINS?! TUNE IN NOW!

ArtMonkToTheSticks is giddy that we went to the house of the fat man's disciple (Andy Reid) and left a turd-ferguson in the upper deck. That dome will smell for weeks.

The naked anger and mouth-smacking was a wondrous site. Meaningful December game against Mordor next week with the plastic coke-sniffing Sauron wandering the sidelines makes me antsy. I'm so hyped already I can't take it.

In the words of Colonel Hannibal Smith from the A-Team, 'I love it when a plan comes together.'

Merry everything.

-AMTTS

I saw a replay of the Gibber.

They why he talked Todd 'Huge' for us. I think he will take most the snaps in the playoffs.

I don't see why we can't use both. JC when he can run is very effective in the no huddle. He sucks at fumbles and inside the 20s.

It will help the team (a la betts) and give the man some experince for next year. Game planning will be much harder for our enemy.

I mean

They why he talked Todd 'Huge' for us

The way he talked Todd 'Huge' for us

I beg to differ, mul. Campbell doesn't suck at fumbles -- if anything, he's too good at fumbles. That's one area of his game which doesn't need any work.

In all seriousness, having a choice between Todd and Soup at QB in a playoff game would be "a good problem to have" because it would mean... we're in the playoffs!

I'll take a victory over the Cowboys first, and worry about everything else later.

HAIL to tha REDSKINS!

Nate:

ever the voice of reason. . .

I'm wit u! we need to beat the cowpokes before we get too wacked out. . .

can't help but feel like I've seen this movie before and frankly the ending was a bit unsettling. . .

not saying it will be bad, but just don't want to get too far ahead, ya know? ? ?

merry, merry to you and the mrs and the rest of the fam!

if we do take care of business, we'll talk about what one can whip for a seattle game . . .

if you don't think the boys are going to be up for this check out ol wade:

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=null&videoId=3167944&n8pe6c=3

it will be an old-fashioned, hate-filled, rivalry game . . .

i thikn we can win, but we need to go in expecting it to be an uphill battle. . .

that is a pretty good team they have in big D. . .

Johnson is a good QB, but at his age, he cannot scramble for yardage anymore. The defense needs to come at him with the same intensity they put on Jackson and Peterson last night and force Johnson to make mistakes. He might be a veteran, but if you make him move around a lot he will start to crack and make mistakes.

Even though she's been quoted on TV as saying "I know you love my stinky ass" and "Is tuna really the chicken of the see" you gotta admit that Romo must have some serious game to land Jessica Simpson....even though she isn't the brightest.

So, as I've said before, bring on the Cowgirls, Tony Romo, Jessica Simpson and whoever else. Washington is going to laso them up, knock them down, stomp a mudhole in them and walk in dry right into the playoffs!!! So, whatcha gonna do brother when Joe Gibbs and his Washington Redskins run wild on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Revamped quote from Hulk Hogan, but you gotta love it)!!!!

(not verbatim from "Back to School" movie)

Professor: "So where should we build our factory to make the widgets?"

Mr. Mellon (Rodney Dangerfield): "How about Fantasy Land?" (chorus of laughs from students follows).

I read that NY Times Dec. 16 article that featured LaVar Arrington and what I got from it is that he is a combination of delusional, egotistical and petty.

After hearing him speak at Sean Taylor's funeral, I thought he had matured and truly reflected about life. But, essentially, he still seems like the same bitter person who left the Skins.

I was puzzled that in his speech at Sean Taylor's funeral that he mentioned that he thought he was Sean's "guardian angel." That seemed like an egotistical type of statement. Sean Taylor was his own man and as fans, we saw that in his first couple of years as a Redskin.

Anyway, it looks like LaVar still has some serious grudges against Dan Snyder because any time there's a chance to talk about Snyder, LaVar doesn't hesitate to do so and in a negative way. He even trashed Joe Gibbs in a September article in the NY Daily News.

I'm sure some Skins fans, myself included, was thinking LaVar would play football again and quite possibly, sign with the Skins and be a reserve LB. I seriously doubt that will happen now.

Anyone notice that he mentioned in the NY Times article that he was going to be on the Giants sidelines (in the game from 2 weeks ago)?

So, thank you LaVar for almost closing the door to a comeback. Stay retired.

Btw..he does suck as a commentator or analyst for Comcast. I got tired of his stupid, uninsightful banter and switched to listening to the 980 AM Skins post-game show with Doc Walker instead.

/* MEMO TO FANS WHO TRASHED THIS TEAM AND CALLED FOR JOE GIBBS TO RETIRE: Please do not show up on Sunday at Fed Ex stadium for the redskins-cowboys game. If you must come to the stadium, it should only be to turn in your Redskins replica jerseys. The team does not need you. The real fans do not want you there.

If you think it's okay to jump back on the bandwagon now that the team is on the verge of the playoffs, you are sorely mistaken.

It's not okay to trash the team and their hall of fame head coach when they are losing and then jump back on board after they start winning.

You are the worst kind of fans.

Posted by: Barno | December 24, 2007 01:28 PM*/

I agree with the sentiment, Barno, but didn't you pledge alliegence to the NY Giants about a week ago?

My mistake Barno, BIG APOLOGY!!!! I was thinking about X_1967. Please accept my apology on this.

It was an exciting game. I did my part to the fullest (being fully superstitious, I was in exactly the same place and same clothes as I wore for the Chicago & Giants games). And will be doing it again for Dallas.

heisted547, LaVar paid over $4 million dollars in order to *leave* the Redskins. You're surprised he takes issue with Snyder and Gibbs?

I love the Skins, but I thought they handled LaVar (and Patrick Ramsey too, by the way) extremely poorly. LaVar was the Skins best player in his heyday--3 straight pro-bowls before he suddenly he was a "freelancer" who couldn't even start anymore.

I can't believe the Skins organization couldn't find a way to compromise with him instead of humiliating him to the point where he actually paid millions to leave. He obviously felt wronged, and his passion was part of what made him such a great player.

"They were all over it from above and Joe pulled the string (now, I'm still a 'lil baffled as to why Coach Joe went for the two-point conversion so early in the game"
By Jason La Canfora | December 24, 2007; 2:03 PM ET

Re: "baffled." A certain someone always gets baffled when it comes to the 2 point conversion arithmetic. Guess the math is too complex. 24 points is better than 23 points...it's pretty simple. Gibbs felt the benefits of being up 24--and making it a 3 TDs and a field goal game (or 3 TD 3 2 point conversion)--outweighed the risk of going from 23 to 22.

Not very baffling.

Barno,

I hope Santa takes a giant crap down your chimney and you're looking up it.

I'll be there on Sunday supporting my Skins as always. Gibbs has absolutely nothing to do with that.

P.S. He's done a great job the last 3 weeks, but don't forget 15 blown leads in the 2nd half since '04.

On Lavar breaking down the game on Comcast, I watched it last night on DTV and there are times I could've sworn there were a couple times where Ray Brown rolled his eyes after some of Lavar's comments. (I think it was after Lavar was talking about putting JC back in at quarterback if healthy if the skins make it to the playoffs.) Maybe I'm wrong but, also I think he is a bit brutal on the show.

And on Joe Gibbs, I thought up until last night he needed to go, hey he is a great coach but all of the clock management issues in recent years (don't even get me started on the Buffalo game) but now, I'm not so sure. I am just happy that Parcells went to the Dolphins because I had worried that thats who the Danny would go after in the postseason. But the jury will likely make the final decision on Coach Joe at about 8pm eastern this Sunday night.

Skins will win the SuperBowl. No doubt in my mind. You heard it here first? second? third? Love and Merry Christmas - Darin

Barno,

I hope Santa takes a giant crap down your chimney and you're looking up it.

I'll be there on Sunday supporting my Skins as always. Gibbs has absolutely nothing to do with that.

P.S. He's done a great job the last 3 weeks, but don't forget 15 blown leads in the 2nd half since '04.

Posted by: RickyBobby

Again, fans like RickyBobby need not attend on Sunday, nor ever again for that matter. These types of fans just don't get it, and never will. The Redskins are better off as a team without fans like you. Give your tickets to a real fan.

RB, you sure you want to go to the game? It'll be pretty cold... maybe you'll enjoy it better in your warm living room with a moderately priced adult beverage.

After the holidays you may need a few bucks too. It may be fiscally wise to sell me your tickets (face value of course).

Happy Holidays.

ahhhh barno nothing like a little "love it or leave it" holiday cheer on christmas eve.....

leaving your opinions and critical thinking at the door!

f that, we need every swingin soul!

Merry Christmas, Redskins Insider!!!

Romo maybe have had game when he landed carrie underwood as a back up. But miss Tuna is a ----- who just wants to be on TV. No game needed if you can give her what she wants.

Would people who know nothing about football and take what ex-role players about everything as the Truth stop giving Gibbs chances. Just shut up and cheer. You know who you are if 'you find Janso knowledgeable and informative' about the game.

Marry Christmas.

Just spent the last six hours building toys for small children. The building of toys was not so difficult, but when the @##^$%# decals come on a 17"x34" sheet and number up to 46, you know you're in for a long night.

Merry Christmas to all. Especially those that have lost and grieved, but also gained and rejoiced!

Prettige kerstdag from Holland, ya'll.

Life here is sweet when I've got Sunday night 10:15 pm to look forward to--Sam and Sonny on the Internets. And outstanding RI chatter between now and D-day.

HTTR

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Funny! A by-line story and the comment -

Source: Favre probably back in '08
Posted: Monday December 24, 2007 06:53AM ET

The Packers are conducting business like they expect Brett Favre to return in 2008 for his 17th season as its starting quarterback. A source close to Favre said this week while he can't know exactly what's going on in Favre's mind, the 38-year-old is having more fun this year than perhaps ever in his career, and that he'd be stunned if Favre doesn't come back next season. - PackersNews.com

Comments (85) Most Recent

aaron rodgers announced he's planning on retiring after 2008...

pw | 12/24/07

Merry Christmas to all the gang!

Merry Christmas to anyone who happens to be on

Merry Christmas to all! I echo Daggar's sentiments...not the part about the decals, the part about grief and loss and stuff...

I don't hear many people taling about Al Saunders. I don't see anything that the Redskins are doing as a vindication of coach Joe (not in terms of keeping team spirit together, but in terms of technical tem decisions). Unfortunately, just the opposite. With Collins playing lights out during a playoff run, this shows that Saunders' offense and "his people" work. For years this offense has languished with Joe trying to force guys like Brunell to run it...Saunders has been right all along, and, sadly, coach Joe has been outed as the biggest obstacle to this offense's success...

Usually I'd hammer Barno for being such an arrogant prick and thinking he's the final arbitrator of what is, or is not, a real fan. But not today. I got Heavy Metal Parking Lot in my stocking and all is right with the world.
Merry Christmas everyone.

httr

I saw mommy Todding Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas, hamsters.

"Moss had another strong game as well and it's obvious that when these two guys are right this is a completely different offense. Only wish some of the haters got a chance to see JC operate in this kind of offense with this kind of game plan with his playmakers healthy and the O Line in a good run of form."

I love JC, but I seriously doubt he would be having similar success. Someone above was right in saying this vindicates Al Saunders most of all, b/c with Todd Collins in, Gibbs more or less feels compelled to let Saunders call the game as he wishes. And Gibbs has said himself that based on Collins successes, he's felt more comfortable opening it up a little--even with a lead in hand.

This has also made it perfectly clear how the Saunders-Gibbs dynamic works: Saunders calls the plays--all of them--and Gibbs dictates whether it's going to be conservative or more open. And he makes fourth down decisions, etc. But the offense is Saunders'; it requires an experienced quarterback to run, and without confidence based on early success Gibbs will shut it down. Maybe all five of the blown leads this year were because of Gibbs' discomfort. Not that I blame him necessarily ... but I'm not sure you can serve the twin goals of (1) giving a quarterback experience and (2) really trying to win games. I think you have to shoot for the latter, and let the chips fall where they may. Even losing spectacularly is "experience," and it's better than squandering a lead.

So, maybe Collins is the ideal QB for Gibbs: experienced enough not to make mistakes and therefore a better choice to give free reins with the offense. But if he's going to play Campbell, he's got to let go--and let Saunders call whatever kind of game he wants.

Peace.

Merry Christmas and Holidays and Solistice and Boxing Day and all other festivities to the hamsters!

I've been staying away from RI because well . . . they've been winning and I've been staying away so you know put 2 and 2 together. . . .

Sunday night I watched the game in a bar up here in the mountains of Colorado. There were no other fans in the bar so I had to contain myself but WWOOOOOHEEEEWWWWOOOOOOHHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Best Christmas present - we play Dallas on the final game of the year at home and the game has playoffs on the line for us. In this season of rollercoaster soarings and mediocrity I honestly couldn't ask for more. With the whole season in perspective we don't honestly have any business in the playoffs but I'm thrilled we have a shot!

GO SKINS!!

Thanks to RI for another great blog year and to LaCyn and Jasno for keeping this family on a roll.

Have a peaceful, safe and happy holidays and I'll see y'all Sunday.

GO SKINS! GO SKINS! GO SKINS!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/12806557.html

You could make the same case regarding Jason Campbell. Freaky....

I also see Childress backpedaling now on them not being allowed to substitute. All the replays show that the 'Skins didn't substitute, so the Vikes couldn't either. They flat got out-coached!

Agreed Soups. A lil bit similar. I think that Collins has been tremendous, but the o-line has played much better the last 2+ games. Heyer has been a big part of that.
Also, Portis, Moss and ARE have finally started to make plays. I wonder what the last 3 games would have looked like if he hadn't gotten hurt?
Not going to worry about it now!
Lets beat Dallas!!
Hail!

JC being he above...

The Redskins made a similar run (arguably more impressive than this one) in 2005 to make the playoffs with Gibbs running the offense, not Saunders.

Give Saunders credit (and especially Collins), but for God's sake, lose the Gibbs-hate already. It's stale. Not to mention inaccurate.

These players love playing for Joe Gibbs. Mark Schlereth, now an ESPN analyst and a Super Bowl player for Gibbs and later the Broncos, said, "I would step in front of a bus for that man."

Because unlike a lot of other coaches, Gibbs is the same person morning, noon and night. He's not a phony who gives lip service to "character" and "toughness."

He epitomizes both.

And anyone who can't see that doesn't know much about Joe Gibbs or the Washington Redskins.

Merry Christmas.

I think most of us have made our peace with Coach. It's been a long, long season and things are starting to break our way. I guess Blackjack's death brought out the best in the man. Maybe that's why he was guided back in the first place. Putting aside the bazillion bucks a year he was getting paid.

Anyhow, stick around as long as you want Joe. All is forgiven.

Ok will some one explain to me why we should give soups more of the play book when he could barely handed what he was given.

An elimental point is you give the QB what he knows. They have been giving him more throughout the last 2 seasons. I saw no evedince that he should get a lot more. I know the radio guys have been saying this but young Big Ben and all young QBs are not given the whole play book. Who really does not agree with this method.

IN the last 4 loses they gave him more and he through some critical ints and got hurt.

Now you could say we should have been starting Todd all along but no one in this city except Al thought that. Todd might not have fared so well in the GB or TB game but might have done better vs Giants (1).

Given all the skins have gone through 9-7 would be a very good result. I don't think any one would do better than 11-5 with what happened.

F Gibbs haters
F JC haters
F Al haters
F Skins haters

Merry Christmas everyone and now for some Christmas music.
To the tune of Grandma got run over by a reindeer.

Vikings got run over by the Redskins
In their own near Christmas Eve.
They will say there's no such thing as Santa.
But as for me and Skins fans, we believe!

That should say:

That should say:

Vikings got run over by the Redskins
In their own house near Christmas Eve.
They will say there's no such thing as Santa.
But as for me and Skins fans, we believe!

Merry Xmas to all.

Anyone have a sense of whether Heyer can play G? With Jansen/Thomas back next year, Heyer probably becomes 6th man, but if he's able to play interior line too, that becomes a huge asset.

Snowing here in Olympia. Not sticking, at least not yet, and it'll probably just turn into rain by tomorrow, but still,

IT'S SNOWING ON CHRISTMAS!

First time I've seen snow on Christmas day since I was 5 or 6. Received a bunch of Redskins-related gifts, including an ST jersey, which was special. Also received some funds earmarked for additional Skins stuff, so I pre-ordered an ST Pro Bowl jersey from the Redskins store. The rest will go towards a ticket toward our hopefully eventual playoff game in Seattle.

Merry Christmas and so forth, blog peeps!

That, my friends, was awesome. There is something about singing HTTR in the long, crowded, stinky corridors of the Metrodome that makes life worth living.
Got some talk before the game from the home crowd. By the end of the game, the same people were calling Tavaris every name in the book.
I was thoroughly confused as to why Gibbs was challenging a fumble... I admit that I chalked it up to poor game-management. Then, when it turned out to be the 12 men penalty, you could almost feel air rushing out of that fluffy dome.
Am I the only person that can sniff out that Portis bootleg immediately? It's pretty obvious.

HTTR! I think we got the momentum. I think we got the heart. I think we got the emotion. Dallas falls hard!

Hail to you, MNSkinsFan, for repping it to death on the frozen tundra.

Uff da!

AlexBerger

Randy T should be back. Janson is all Bonus money so we would pay him for nothing if we cut him and take a big it in 2009 so he will be here one more year.

Hayer is 6-8 = no Guard. He can pass block, is fast, and will be better next year so he may very well get the start.

I think we are good next year at o line but need another young Guard. Also replacment for Samules (2009 or 2010) at LT should be drafted in the 2nd round-esh.

Wish list-

This order -

OLB (free agent as Rocky 'knee' then Washington 'age' will need to be replaced as starters)
DT free agent
DE 1st round pick
SS free agent
LT 2nd round
WR draft or free agent, Big WR that can get deep. ESPY or Mix might fill the role next year.
3rd corner (I think Rogers will be OK by the end of next year but need some one to fill in early in the year)
(then just fill out with whoever in 3, 5,6,7 round picks)

We just need two major money signings. The rest should come relatively cheap so things are not that bad next year as long as Rogers can come back and play well next year.

Champ did not look good on Monday night.

First of all, whether or not Saunders or G. Williams calls the actual plays, everything starts with Joe. Period.

If you're going to criticize him when they lose, you better give him credit for this current playoff run.

Yes, JC would've had success, but albeit a different one if he was starting because he has made only 20 starts in this complex offense.

We were lucky to have a backup who has been in this offense for six years and tells coaches during practice if the formation is incorrect. That makes a difference.

But our playmakers are healthy. Moss, CP, and ARE are playing well right now.

I have been a big fan of Al's offense and have watched it closely when he was in KC.

Also, being a big Skins fan, we all know how Joe runs his offense.

The offense I have seen this season has been an Al Saunders offense with Joe's influence. The HB pass by Portis is a Gibbs play because I remember Earnest Byner throwing 2 TDs back in the day in a similar play.

Bottom line: the reason why this team is playing well now is they are rallying around Gibbs. Also, they are not being too conservative in the 2nd half.

Gibbs is overcoming his fear of losing, and now is coaching to win. Sure, being more comfortable with a QB who knows the offense may give him assurance.

BUT, at the same time JC is the franchise QB and Joe will trust the guy he handpicked to lead this team.

For me, up here (sorry had to say that), this run is another example of vintage Joe Gibbs at his best.

I want this to continue regardless of who is under center.

GO SKINS!

After the Bills loss:

BT23, what do you mean you don't think the season is lost yet??? Are you high???? That's it, season over. After this completely demoralizing loss, with your head coach making such a huge mistake (whether it cost the game or not, it's pretty pathetic) and play calling not to win but not to lose(which they did anyway), they'll be lucky if they win another game the rest of the season. My prediction is 6-10.

Posted by: gringoinmiami | December 2, 2007 04:27 PM

Where's gringo? haven't seen you in a few weeks? Not man enough to stand up to your comments. Why don't you go and start cheering for the Dolphins.

TODD!!!!

Ok, some people may not like it and I apologize is some think it's too early to start talking football again, but all I have to say is...

Beat the Bears!
Beat the Bears!
Beat the Bears!
Beat the Bears!

c'mon people, let's get the train rollin, beat the Bears, and go from there! This team is not out of it, I swear it.

The cowboys game on Dec. 30 is an easy win, provided the Cowboy's don't slip up between now and then (and provided that Green Bay doesn't win out as well). Because if dallas has homefield locked up, they will sit Romo , TO, and the rest of their key players. So if we beat the Bears, we need only worry about the Giants and Vikes. THIS IS DOABLE, PEOPLE!

As Jimmy V once said, don't give up. Don't ever give up.

Posted by: Barno | December 3, 2007 08:26 PM

Barno's above comments were written less than 24 hours after the Buffalo loss. Man, for all the heat Barno takes on this board, he sure does seem to be the most dead on in his predictions.

Barno doesn't take heat because of his "heart," he takes heat because sometimes he acts like a panty waste. Most of the time Barno has good opinions and is excellent.

He also takes heat because it's oh-so-fun to break his stones.

Every Redskinette player would give his left nut to be with jessica simpson carrie underwood and get a 60 mill contract!!Not to mention be talked about by his peers in same breath as Brady & Manning! Not bad for an UNDRAFTED QB!! Remind me kool-aide drinkers what did noodle cost like 3 draft picks? and its liquor Collins doing the job.Hmm QB controversy next year? BTW gibby & dannyboy would give both nuts to be with jessica!! LOL on the floor cracking up hahaha

Very true, who wouldn't want to be with the second most passed around pop star of our generation? If Romo plays this Sunday I wonder how he will do without TO????

After this Sunday we will be able to ask him three questions instead of one. First, how does it feel to rip of a douchebag owner? Second, What do Nick Lache's nuts taste like? Three, What do Andre Carter's nuts taste like?????

Every Redskinette player would give his left nut to be with jessica simpson carrie underwood and get a 60 mill contract!!Not to mention be talked about by his peers in same breath as Brady & Manning! Not bad for an UNDRAFTED QB!! Remind me kool-aide drinkers what did noodle cost like 3 draft picks? and its liquor Collins doing the job.Hmm QB controversy next year? BTW gibby & dannyboy would give both nuts to be with jessica!! LOL on the floor cracking up hahaha

Posted by: sainttaylor | December 26, 2007 10:14 AM

Hah! Um, no. That was pretty much the dumbest post I've seen on the Redskins Insider. Have you seen Dan Snyder's wife? MUCH better looking than Jessica Simpson, MUCH more wealthy than Jessica Simpson (even without Snyder's billions), and MUCH more intelligent than Jessica Simpson.

Gibbs? Something tells me he has no clue who Jessica Simpson is, and as such would NOT give both of his testicles for someone he doesn't even know exists.

for me personally this was the best win of the season!!!

Just think to yourself that "this is the best trash talking that a CowPie can come up with" and move along.
Nothing to read there.

I'm a huge Jason Campbell fan, but here's 3 reasons why you stick with Collins through a possible playoff run...

1) If the Skins beat the Cowboys, Campbell won't be 100%. He hasn't even begun running yet.

2) If we get deep enough and Campbell is healthy, how much will he be thinking about taking a hit on that knee. He doesn't need that distraction.

3) This team is winning with Todd, albeit with more healthy players than they had with JC under center.

However, the worst move would be to make this an open competition next season. Campbell is the starter and has to play to get better. Remember...Collins hasn't played that bad game yet.

Wade Phillips would give both nuts just to touch Gibbs' nuts, Hall of Fame vs No Fame.

If you get him with a few cocktails in him he may even rub Gibbs' nuts just so he can swallow.

It looks like we'll finish the year 7-1 against sub-.500 teams... the loser of the Eagles-Bills game will end up 6-9, the winner 8-8.
Both of those losses were, I think, directly attributable to the loss of Sean Taylor; the Eagles game changed when Sean hurt his knee (and the last two touchdowns were plays that the defense was designed to let Taylor make the stop).

We will (optimistically) end up 2-5 against playoff teams.

Loss to NYG by 7
Loss to GB by 3
Loss to NE by, ummm, let's skip that one
Loss to Pies by 4
Loss to Bucs by 6

Beat NYG by 12
Beat Pies by ?

Jessica Simpson is no-talent chop who is fairly attractive. There are plenty of more attractive women. Plenty. And women who don't come with all the baggage of a celebrity. Not everybody is a star-f*cker. Apparently, Romo is. I'm sure they have lots of interesting conversations about flying Buffalo and swimming chickens and stuff.

The idea of a chicken swimming is geeking me out.

It's great to see that Jasno is no longer a doubting Toddmas.

I have a feeling that we are about to witness the greatest feel-good story in NFL history.

I'd like to suggest that we all embrace a common mantra for the duration of the week:

"I am cautiously optimistic about the future."

If I had a Jessica Simpson cover band they would be called Swimming Chickens.

The future is now, jspaceman!

We gotta show up on Sunday ready to whip some silver-star-bedecked ass. I don't care who the Cowboys start or sit, or whether they take a conservative approach, or whatevs... we need to put on a demonstration.

C'mon, sams3, there are lots of swimming birds.

Penguins do all sorts of swimmy things. Then you got your cormorants and other diving birds. Ducks ride around on the water all day long. Is it really that hard to envision a chicken swimming? Not Mark Spitz swimming, but taking a little plunge?

If we can believe in a flying unicorn, how much of a stretch is a swimming chicken?

Roy Williams is back this week, which means the Cowboys' secondary will be considerably weakened.

I smell a big game for God Collins.

Indeed, if leprechauns can ride unicorns, anything is possible.

I think Danny should consider extending an invitation to Miss Chicken of the Sea to sing the National Anthem on Sunday.

Somebody just brought onions into the office and now it smells like a public library in here.

Hard to believe, isn't it, LH?

To come off those four awful losses -- and the fifth one, the worst imaginable, losing Sean -- and get three resounding wins with a backup QB... astounding.

But as happy as I am to have seen this team come together like this, I have to admit it will be something of a letdown if we don't take care of business on Sunday, with the playoffs in sight and our hated rival coming to town.

Let's go! Vigilance! Balance! Maps for May Hens!

Sorry for, like, apparently killing the blog.

Hail.

HAIL!

Nathaniel, the Redskins Blog Assassin. I like it. You can sing it to the tune of Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner.

Wow, there must be a lot of swinging souls not working today! Is it Sunday yet? I can't wait to show the pies who the best team in the nfc is now, then open Fedex Northwest in 2 weeks.
Hail!

I know, I know.

Look, I get that everybody falls into a rut after Festivus; it's only natural to have a letdown after the biggest holiday of the year. But come on, people! We're burnin' daylight!

Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner is a great song....BTW, if you've been following the Saga of the Stolen Pineapple on the Steinbog, there's a new development. He'll be updating shortly. He'll also send along an update for this here Insider from the open locker room. Otherwise, there's nuthin' happening.

Pelicans, swans, gannets...

Actually gannets are worth a look. These guys hit the water at about 90 mph, not unlike ST21 hitting a punter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2IhK15mbfM

Cindy, while you're over there, do ask Steinbog how he's doing on the Bogtimatum... I think their goal was 1,000 comments by New Year's?

I keed... I keed.

You're right, Nate!!!!!! Let's get going, people!!!!!!!!!!!!
On another matter, what's the deal with this tiger story out of SF? Whadda we think the chances are that there's more to the story? Like, maybe, someone was stealing the tiger for its many valuable, edible parts that are delicacies in some places? I concede that it's possible I'm so bored I'm looking for a second spitter on the gravelly road merely to entertain myself.

That was funny, Nate!

Never poke an angry wildcat...with a stick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3PAEXqn5Xo

That was a great article on Gibbs and his grandson by Mike Wise. Sure is hard to imagine how tough this season must have been (and still is) for Gibbs. Yet here they are one win away from the playoffs and playing they're best of the season. They keep this up and they could do some damage in the playoffs.

You mess with the leopard you get the claws. What a moron!! I think that's called natural selection.

"looking for a second spitter on the gravelly road"

I have no idea what this means, but if Swimming Chickens ever gets the confidence to start writing our own material, by Todd, I will work that into a song somehow. Obviously, only with permission and giving you a writing credit, TheCindy. Really...you oughta think about going pro.

Wasn't the guy who got killed just hanging out in the concession area? Tough crowd!

The SF Zoo story bums me out, big time.

I love zoos -- I know there are a lot of people who hate them, but I think the educational/exposure benefits far outweigh the negatives of captivity and like such as -- and I love taking Nathan Jr. to the Oregon and Seattle zoos about once a month. Last week we saw an elephant painting a picture! And watched the penguins getting fed! That kind of stuff is pure joy.

I don't want to think about one of those tigers getting loose. Not to mention the orang utans, who in Portland are getting a new outdoor exhibit next year... those dudes are loose cannons.

Anyway, since we always get outfitted with full safari gear, tranq darts, and so forth for our zoo trips, I don't feel worried. I just hate the thought that other people might be put off from going to the zoo.

"BTW, if you've been following the Saga of the Stolen Pineapple on the Steinbog, there's a new development."

Barno has left a ransom note demanding a signed copy of Heavy Metal Parking Lot?

Adam

The pineapple has ... no, I must wait until Stein bogs....I wish I could take credit for "second spitter on the gravelly road." I stole that from "Seinfeld."
I have mixed emotions about zoos. I share your sentiments, Nate, but every so often I'm happy when animals exact a little revenge. It's a very sad story.

Attempt #2

Barno has intercepted the purloined pineapple in route to Chris Cooley and has left a ransom note demanding a signed copy of Heavy Metal Parking Lot as his reward for recovering the stolen property?

Adam

Fox News reported the men who were attacked, "taunted the tigers" prior to the attack.

I'm at a loss for words on this one. Did they talk ill of the tigers mother?

Heavy Metal Parking Lot should be in the core curriculum of Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundal, and Howard County schools. That scene was as big a part of local history as anything the Calvert family or Jim Rouse ever did.

SF Chronicle: Police on Tuesday night refused to rule out the possibility of carelessness or criminal activity, and zoo officials said the tiger did not escape through the grotto's only door.

I cannot spoil the Saga of the Purloined Pineapple.

Maybe they gave the throat slash sign...Of course it is fox news, so by taunting they may actually mean taking a picture.

I am told that Cooley has just arrived with some sort of stringed instrument as a Christmas gift (regifting?) for Yoder.

Speaking of animals roaming around, I was walking to work this morning at 7:30 when I came across two camels coming toward me on 51st Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in NYC. The amazing thing was that no one even batted an eye. My main objective was to avoid the recently deposited camel kaka.

Yeah, the Chronic didn't say anything about taunting.

I have to say, if they do figure out how it escaped, I don't think they should publish the details of how the tiger got out. We can't let the other tigers know.

One democrat killed, two others maimed...

I hope Yoder isn't expecting that thing to be signed.

Two camels on the street in NYC? Yawwwwwn.
That's very very close to my old neighborhood.

The beauty parlor's filled with sailors
The circus is in town

Cooley giving his backup Yoda a present on Boxing Day?

"Boxing Day is a traditional celebration, dating back to the Middle Ages, and consisted of the practice of giving out gifts to employees, the poor, or to people in a lower social class."

Oh no he dih-int!

One democrat killed, two others maimed...

Posted by: SMACK1 | December 26, 2007 01:33 PM

We need more tigers in red states...

If Cooley was celebrating Boxing Day, the only people not getting gifts would be Todd Collins, Darrel Green and Sammy Baugh.

Did I mention they were smoking Marlboros?

beep beep

Those are some rebellious camels.

So much for seeing There Will Be Blood tonight. Always a treat to learn when you go to check showtimes for tonight that you'll be waiting another X weeks to see the movie you've been anticipating for ages.