JimmiJo
December-30th-2007, 01:42 PM
ES COVERAGE: REDSKINS vs COWBOYS 2
http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DAL263.JPG
Santana Moss celebrates after scoring on a 42-yard TD pass from Todd Collins
Photo Credit - Brian Murphy
12/30/07
PLAYOFFS!!!
Redskins 27 - Cowboys 6
:helmet:
All the work; the mini camps, the OTAs in the bright sunlight, training camp in the sweltering heat, the long season, the injuries, the tragedies, the pain, the joy - it all comes down to this. Win today and they are in the postseason for the second time in three years. Lose and we try and celebrate a brave effort to close out the year and avoid a losing record.
My name is JimmiJo and to my left is luckiest man I know, Themurf. I say that only because he is irish, tall, and all the chicks dig him. We are here at FedEx Field for the final game of the 2007 regular season. A cold rain is falling here in Landover and they are telling me snow is coming later. This hasn't dissuaded the fans.
No matter what happens this will be the final game of year here in Landover and I can tell you that the faithful are sending the season off in style. More than three hours before kickoff traffic was backed up getting in. Riding over on the bus the lots were full and tailgating was in full-effect. The ES tailgate was rocking when I got there and it was great seeing everyone.
For you who could not make it today we will do our best to share the atmosphere with you. We will fall short I am sure. Today is like a playoff game. Everyone is fired up and ready for a good game, even the Dallas fans in attendance.
BTW, here is a special message for those who allowed their tickets to go to Dallas fans (there are far too many here today); I hate you forever you rat-bastards.
Ok. We will be standing by for inactives and other tidbits.
3:47PM
Murf is down on the sidelines and texted me to say that Carlos Rogers, Jon Jansen, Charles Mann, and Dexter Manley are on on the 'Skins sideline. My all-time favorite player Doug Williams is here in the pressbox.
4:00PM
Dexter Manley just addressed the crowd. While I couldn't hear most of what he said, he finished up his comments by getting the entire stadium to chant, "We Want Dallas!!!"
Kickoff
The smoke from the end zone fireworks hangs thick in the stadium as we are set to begin.
Dallas took the field and received a chorus of boos from the crowd. When the Redskins came out, it was pandemonium. The teams are out, the anthem is sung, the coin is tossed (Washington), and we all watch to see what transpires.
Here's to a big victory for the 'Skins.
End of 1st
The Redskins amassed 105 total net yards in the 1st compared to the Cowboys 14.
Haltime
I'm not sure what the hell Coach Phillips was thinking bringing the team back out for that play, but I'm sure you all saw Romo wincing as he went off the field after the sack.
The Redskins have outgained the Cowboys thru one half 218 to 63. They have had the ball over 8 minutes more than Dallas and they lead by 10. They have turned the ball over however and missed some scoring opportunities.
After that last play I would not be surprised to see Brad Johnson in for the Cowboys in the 2nd half.
Team Leaders
T. Collins - 14/22 136 yards
C. Portis - 13 carries for 72 yards and 1 TD
S. Moss - 5 catches for 59 yards.
Here's to a good 2nd half.
6:30PM
So long Tony, thanks for playing.
7:18PM
They've just announced a new attendance record of 90,910
:helmet:
INACTIVES
Washington
#17 - Jason Campbell
#23 - Omar Stoutmire
#41 - Brian Kozlowski
#73 - Ryan Boschetti
#78 - Kevin Sampson
#80 - Keenan McCardell
#90 - Alex Buzbee
#3 - Sam Hollenbach (3rd QB)
Dallas
#25 - Patrick Watkins
#33 - Nathan Jones
#41 - Terrence Newman
#65 - Andre Gurode
#78 - James Marten
#81 - Terrell Owens
#86 - Isaiah Stanback
#90 - Jay Ratcliff
:helmet:
AUDIO
To listen to comments from Andre Carter click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTER.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Andre Carter click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTER2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Rock Cartwright click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTWRIGHT.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Rock Cartwright click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTWRIGHT2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Phillip Daniels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DANIELS.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Phillip Daniels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DANIELS2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Reed Doughty click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DOUGHTY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Demetric Evans click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/EVANS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Kedric Golston click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/GOLSTON.WMA)
To listen to comments from Pete Kendall click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/KENDALL.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Pete Kendall click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/KENDALL2.WMA)
To listen to comments from LaRon Landry click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/LANDRY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Anthony Montgomery click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/MONTGOMERY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Casey Rabach click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/RABACH.WMA)
To listen to comments from Carlos Rogers click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/ROGERS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Chris Samuels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/SAMUELS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Mike Sellers click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/SELLERS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Marcus Washington (on the field) click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WASHINGTONFIELD.WMA)
To listen to comments from Marcus Washington click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WASHINGTON.WMA)
To listen to comments from Chris WIlson click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WILSON.WMA)
:helmet:
PHOTOS
Photos 1
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230444
Photos 2
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230445
Photos 3
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230446
Photos 4
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230447
Photos 5
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230448
Photos 6
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230449
Photos 7
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230450
Photos 8
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230451
Photos 9
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230452
:helmet:
JimmiJo's Corner
What a fitting end to the season – beating the cowboys at home to make the playoffs by 21 points.
The locker room was jubilant following a game the Redskins dominated in every area. When asked, the players told me to a man that they finished the season for Sean and plan to keep playing in his honor. They also told me there was never any quit in this team and though they knew their backs were up against it after the Buffalo loss, they never lost faith.
And now, it’s a new season. All teams have the same record; 0-0.
But the new season begins next week and for right now, I just want to savor a terrific victory. It is hard to overstate the butt-whipping the Redskins put on the Cowboys today. Just read the stats below if you need to be convinced that the Cowboys got destroyed by a Redskins team that was not going to be denied.
Dallas Head Coach Wade Phillips said after the game that the Cowboys played uninspired, and that their heart wasn’t in it. I say they came in fired up, but got their asses kicked. Dallas left their starters in well into the 3rd quarter, and only after they could not get anything going AND the Redskins continued to score did they start pulling them.
Did any of you see the shot of Romo when he got pulled from the game throwing his jacket down in disgust and exclaiming? He wanted to win today, but again they couldn’t get anything going.
Ah, you love to see it.
Let’s look at some stats:
• Total 1st downs: Washington 22 – Dallas 7
• 3rd down efficiency: Washington 9/15, 60% - Dallas 0/11, 0%
• Total net yards: Washington 354 – Dallas 147
• Net yards rushing: Washington 131 – Dallas 1 (new team record low)
• Net yards passing: Washington 223 – Dallas 146
• Passing: Washington 22/31, 1 TD (101.9 passer rating) – Dallas 14/27, 1 Int., (52.4 passer rating combined)
• Penalties: Washington 5/37 – Dallas 5/37
• Time of possession: Washington 37:08 – Dallas 22:52
Here are the drives and results for the Redskins:
• Punt
• Touchdown
• Fumble
• Field Goal
• Fumble
• Punt
• Field Goal
• Touchdown
• Punt
• Touchdown
• Punt
• Punt
Here are he drives and results for the Cowboys:
• Punt
• Interception
• Punt
• Missed Field Goal
• Field Goal
• Punt
• Punt
• Punt
• Punt
• Field Goal
• Downs
I don’t think there is any way you don’t classify this as a lopsided victory for the Redskins. I think this is a result of the attitude of the Redskins these days. One writer told me that in over a decade of covering the team he has never seen them so focused. I’ve covered enough Gibbs’ pressers to know that something is different in his demeanor lately, as if some weight has been lifted and he is concentrating only on what is before him.
While I do believe the entire team is playing with single-minded purpose, the story for me remains Quarterback Todd Collins. After three starts he has thrown for 888 yards, 5 TDs, and no interceptions. His QB rating is 106.4. I believe his play has infused the offense with confidence. We are seeing this in their ability to sustain drives, score late in games, and covert on big plays. The 42-yard TD pass to Moss could not have been prettier and for my money, Collins has all the arm he needs to make these plays.
Santana Moss is back and playing as well as he has since he got here. Add to that Randle El, Caldwell, Cooley, as well as the running back tandem of of Portis and Betts and you have a genuine big-play offense. With Collins at the helm the offense has been able to mix it up and put points on the board.
The offense’s confidence has worked to inspire the defense. Already a good squad, with an offense that can score, the defense is setting about to create turnovers and shut people down late. Shawn Springs is playing out of his mind with 4 picks in the last 4 games. The defensive secondary as a whole is playing at a high-level and I could not be more happy with the play of Reed Doughty.
The defensive line was sick tonight, and this resulted in the lowest rushing total Dallas has ever had. Just 1 yard total. With that stat you have to give special credit to the interior line. The play of Griffin, Montgomery, and Golston was nothing short of superb. In Montgomery and Golston you have to feel great in that two late-round draft picks are contributing in a big way.
I am most happy for Coach Gibbs. In his presser tonight he mentioned how his error at the end of the Buffalo game was the low-point in his career. But now after going 5-11 last year, dealing with myriad injuries and the murder of Sean Taylor, Gibbs has guided this team back to the playoffs for the third time in three years. The results speak for themselves, and in this run, after all that has happened, I think we are witnessing Gibbs’ finest hour. I can’t wait to see where it ends.
So now the Redskins have a short week and must prepare to go back to Seattle - the scene of their last playoff game. I feel better about the Redskins’ chances this time. Seattle is not the team they were in 2005, and neither are the Redskins. They have managed to win in a cupcake division, having faced only 1 team with a winning record this year. We have more talent than last time and a real bad attitude.
Murf will be joining you from out west and I’ve made him promise to bring back a victory as if that happens, yours truly will be posting to you from Dallas.
Here’s to a great win and here’s to the playoffs!
:helmet:
Murf's Take
Holy hell. I’m spent and I didn’t even play a football game today. I imagine the guys will sleep well tonight after pulling off such a monster victory against the most hated of rivals. Who’d have thunk that this 5-7 team with the coach who calls back-to-back timeouts for fun would still be alive come playoff time? I’d like to say I believed, but that’s just not true. Like everyone else, I thought this team had the talent, but the emotional drain of losing Sean Taylor mixed with all the injuries and bad breaks was simply too much to overcome. Thankfully, the Redskins players thought differently.
With the season on the line, I can honestly say I was absolutely thrilled with the fans tonight. Even though it was pouring on us for most of the day, the fans came out in record numbers today – as it was announced today’s attendance of 90,910 was the most ever for a ‘Skins game. Not only that, but all the old faces who currently reside on the injured reserve list -- Jon Jansen, Carlos Rogers, Randy Thomas and Jason Campbell -- were on the sidelines for this one as well.
Pretty much everyone was here today … well … except Jessica Simpson. In fact, I didn’t even see a single person with a Jessica Simpson head-on-a-stick. But that doesn’t mean the fans weren’t creative. There were several guys dressed up as the pop star and none of it was pretty. Check out some of my photos for photos that will help keep you up late tonight.
JimmiJo and I like to get here early and to and get a general feel for the game at hand. Today, we were pleasantly surprised when we were chatting with several of the beat writers pregame. All of them said the same thing – they expected the Redskins to win today. Not because of anything going on with Dallas, but because of the business-like demeanor out at Redskins Park all week long. The words ‘focus’ and ‘determination’ were used multiple times, and not when referring to the way JimmiJo looks longingly into my eyes. I don’t think it can be argued -- the 2005 team might have had a long winning streak to close the season and a better record, but this team is much more of a threat.
One more pregame tidbit to pass along – Dexter Manley is a rockstar. No, seriously. He is. I don’t know if it’s because he has that hit TV series on Showtime or what, but the people of D.C. still absolutely love Mr. Manley. I walked next to him from the Cowboys sideline to the Redskins sideline and he couldn’t take two steps without someone giving him a hug, handshake or high five. It made me happy because he was one of my favorites growing up.
Seeing Dexter was great, but the happiness from my trip down memory lane almost came crashing down right before kickoff when Jason Fabini nearly puked on my shoe. Apparently pregame jitters got the best of him and had I not stepped to my right when I heard him about to spew, he would have broken in my new kicks in a way no man would like.
Now, onto the game. For all of you Redskins fans who have to deal with mouthy Cowboys fans, please keep this in mind – they can’t say their team didn’t try to win this game. Tony Romo, Marion Barber and the rest of the offensive starters played into the second half until the game was pretty much put away. So have that ready to go when the excuses start flowing. And speaking of Barber, the man needed 19 yards to get 1,000 for the season. That’s not much, I mean, Portis rushed for 23 yards on one carry today. But not only did Barber fail to gain 19 yards, the Cowboys only rushed for one single yard today. I repeat – one yard.
I asked Phillip Daniels a question about how a team with half their offensive players making the Pro Bowl could only rush for one single yard in an entire game and I loved his answer. You will too, if you listen to my interview. (hint, hint).
Clinton Portis and Santana Moss. Nuf’ said.
I absolutely love what I’m seeing from Anthony Montgomery and Chris Wilson on the defensive line. They are two great individuals off the field and seem to be improving each and every game on the field. I made Wilson promise to never change because I can see these guys becoming stars in this league and their personalities are so down-to-earth that I’d hate to see them change.
I also found time to mess with the cheerleaders during the game (yeah, yeah … I know … you hate me. I get that). They were drenched when they went to their locker room at halftime and all reappeared dry and much happier for the second half. I went up to one of my favorite cheerleaders and asked, “Exactly how many blow dryers were used during halftime?” She cracked up and told me, “We definitely shorted out more than a few.” Even though I was just as soaked, I actually felt bad for the girls. I speak from experience when I say it’s not easy looking hot in a monsoon.
Great sidebar: a Dallas Cowboys videographer was running his mouth to one of the security guards I’m friends with because he didn’t like having to stand behind the same yellow line the rest of the world has to. Well, they went back and forth for a little while and the Dallas guy, trying to take a shot at my buddy said, “You guys don’t even have a clue – your stadium isn’t even in D.C.” without missing a beat, the security guard fired back, “Neither is Dallas’ stadium, so whatcha got now?” much like the Cowboys on the field today, the answer was nothing.
Fast forward to the scene on the field after the win. The players were downright giddy as they trotted out on the field to rib the Cowboys players after the win. Fred Smoot was literally jumping up and down telling anyone within earshot, “We’ll see you guys again in two weeks.” While no one was willing to go on the record and guarantee victory against the Seahawks next Saturday, this team is simply overpowering teams on both sides of the ball and playing the kind of football that wins games in January. As one of the two lucky bastages who will be in Seattle next weekend I have to tell you, this has been a helluva ride and I, for one, hope it continues a little while longer. Take care and don’t forget to tip your bartender. Hail.
:helmet:
http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DAL263.JPG
Santana Moss celebrates after scoring on a 42-yard TD pass from Todd Collins
Photo Credit - Brian Murphy
12/30/07
PLAYOFFS!!!
Redskins 27 - Cowboys 6
:helmet:
All the work; the mini camps, the OTAs in the bright sunlight, training camp in the sweltering heat, the long season, the injuries, the tragedies, the pain, the joy - it all comes down to this. Win today and they are in the postseason for the second time in three years. Lose and we try and celebrate a brave effort to close out the year and avoid a losing record.
My name is JimmiJo and to my left is luckiest man I know, Themurf. I say that only because he is irish, tall, and all the chicks dig him. We are here at FedEx Field for the final game of the 2007 regular season. A cold rain is falling here in Landover and they are telling me snow is coming later. This hasn't dissuaded the fans.
No matter what happens this will be the final game of year here in Landover and I can tell you that the faithful are sending the season off in style. More than three hours before kickoff traffic was backed up getting in. Riding over on the bus the lots were full and tailgating was in full-effect. The ES tailgate was rocking when I got there and it was great seeing everyone.
For you who could not make it today we will do our best to share the atmosphere with you. We will fall short I am sure. Today is like a playoff game. Everyone is fired up and ready for a good game, even the Dallas fans in attendance.
BTW, here is a special message for those who allowed their tickets to go to Dallas fans (there are far too many here today); I hate you forever you rat-bastards.
Ok. We will be standing by for inactives and other tidbits.
3:47PM
Murf is down on the sidelines and texted me to say that Carlos Rogers, Jon Jansen, Charles Mann, and Dexter Manley are on on the 'Skins sideline. My all-time favorite player Doug Williams is here in the pressbox.
4:00PM
Dexter Manley just addressed the crowd. While I couldn't hear most of what he said, he finished up his comments by getting the entire stadium to chant, "We Want Dallas!!!"
Kickoff
The smoke from the end zone fireworks hangs thick in the stadium as we are set to begin.
Dallas took the field and received a chorus of boos from the crowd. When the Redskins came out, it was pandemonium. The teams are out, the anthem is sung, the coin is tossed (Washington), and we all watch to see what transpires.
Here's to a big victory for the 'Skins.
End of 1st
The Redskins amassed 105 total net yards in the 1st compared to the Cowboys 14.
Haltime
I'm not sure what the hell Coach Phillips was thinking bringing the team back out for that play, but I'm sure you all saw Romo wincing as he went off the field after the sack.
The Redskins have outgained the Cowboys thru one half 218 to 63. They have had the ball over 8 minutes more than Dallas and they lead by 10. They have turned the ball over however and missed some scoring opportunities.
After that last play I would not be surprised to see Brad Johnson in for the Cowboys in the 2nd half.
Team Leaders
T. Collins - 14/22 136 yards
C. Portis - 13 carries for 72 yards and 1 TD
S. Moss - 5 catches for 59 yards.
Here's to a good 2nd half.
6:30PM
So long Tony, thanks for playing.
7:18PM
They've just announced a new attendance record of 90,910
:helmet:
INACTIVES
Washington
#17 - Jason Campbell
#23 - Omar Stoutmire
#41 - Brian Kozlowski
#73 - Ryan Boschetti
#78 - Kevin Sampson
#80 - Keenan McCardell
#90 - Alex Buzbee
#3 - Sam Hollenbach (3rd QB)
Dallas
#25 - Patrick Watkins
#33 - Nathan Jones
#41 - Terrence Newman
#65 - Andre Gurode
#78 - James Marten
#81 - Terrell Owens
#86 - Isaiah Stanback
#90 - Jay Ratcliff
:helmet:
AUDIO
To listen to comments from Andre Carter click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTER.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Andre Carter click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTER2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Rock Cartwright click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTWRIGHT.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Rock Cartwright click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/CARTWRIGHT2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Phillip Daniels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DANIELS.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Phillip Daniels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DANIELS2.WMA)
To listen to comments from Reed Doughty click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/DOUGHTY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Demetric Evans click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/EVANS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Kedric Golston click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/GOLSTON.WMA)
To listen to comments from Pete Kendall click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/KENDALL.WMA)
To listen to more comments from Pete Kendall click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/KENDALL2.WMA)
To listen to comments from LaRon Landry click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/LANDRY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Anthony Montgomery click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/MONTGOMERY.WMA)
To listen to comments from Casey Rabach click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/RABACH.WMA)
To listen to comments from Carlos Rogers click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/ROGERS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Chris Samuels click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/SAMUELS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Mike Sellers click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/SELLERS.WMA)
To listen to comments from Marcus Washington (on the field) click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WASHINGTONFIELD.WMA)
To listen to comments from Marcus Washington click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WASHINGTON.WMA)
To listen to comments from Chris WIlson click HERE (http://extremeskins.org/Dallas07/WILSON.WMA)
:helmet:
PHOTOS
Photos 1
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230444
Photos 2
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230445
Photos 3
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230446
Photos 4
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230447
Photos 5
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230448
Photos 6
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230449
Photos 7
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230450
Photos 8
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230451
Photos 9
http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230452
:helmet:
JimmiJo's Corner
What a fitting end to the season – beating the cowboys at home to make the playoffs by 21 points.
The locker room was jubilant following a game the Redskins dominated in every area. When asked, the players told me to a man that they finished the season for Sean and plan to keep playing in his honor. They also told me there was never any quit in this team and though they knew their backs were up against it after the Buffalo loss, they never lost faith.
And now, it’s a new season. All teams have the same record; 0-0.
But the new season begins next week and for right now, I just want to savor a terrific victory. It is hard to overstate the butt-whipping the Redskins put on the Cowboys today. Just read the stats below if you need to be convinced that the Cowboys got destroyed by a Redskins team that was not going to be denied.
Dallas Head Coach Wade Phillips said after the game that the Cowboys played uninspired, and that their heart wasn’t in it. I say they came in fired up, but got their asses kicked. Dallas left their starters in well into the 3rd quarter, and only after they could not get anything going AND the Redskins continued to score did they start pulling them.
Did any of you see the shot of Romo when he got pulled from the game throwing his jacket down in disgust and exclaiming? He wanted to win today, but again they couldn’t get anything going.
Ah, you love to see it.
Let’s look at some stats:
• Total 1st downs: Washington 22 – Dallas 7
• 3rd down efficiency: Washington 9/15, 60% - Dallas 0/11, 0%
• Total net yards: Washington 354 – Dallas 147
• Net yards rushing: Washington 131 – Dallas 1 (new team record low)
• Net yards passing: Washington 223 – Dallas 146
• Passing: Washington 22/31, 1 TD (101.9 passer rating) – Dallas 14/27, 1 Int., (52.4 passer rating combined)
• Penalties: Washington 5/37 – Dallas 5/37
• Time of possession: Washington 37:08 – Dallas 22:52
Here are the drives and results for the Redskins:
• Punt
• Touchdown
• Fumble
• Field Goal
• Fumble
• Punt
• Field Goal
• Touchdown
• Punt
• Touchdown
• Punt
• Punt
Here are he drives and results for the Cowboys:
• Punt
• Interception
• Punt
• Missed Field Goal
• Field Goal
• Punt
• Punt
• Punt
• Punt
• Field Goal
• Downs
I don’t think there is any way you don’t classify this as a lopsided victory for the Redskins. I think this is a result of the attitude of the Redskins these days. One writer told me that in over a decade of covering the team he has never seen them so focused. I’ve covered enough Gibbs’ pressers to know that something is different in his demeanor lately, as if some weight has been lifted and he is concentrating only on what is before him.
While I do believe the entire team is playing with single-minded purpose, the story for me remains Quarterback Todd Collins. After three starts he has thrown for 888 yards, 5 TDs, and no interceptions. His QB rating is 106.4. I believe his play has infused the offense with confidence. We are seeing this in their ability to sustain drives, score late in games, and covert on big plays. The 42-yard TD pass to Moss could not have been prettier and for my money, Collins has all the arm he needs to make these plays.
Santana Moss is back and playing as well as he has since he got here. Add to that Randle El, Caldwell, Cooley, as well as the running back tandem of of Portis and Betts and you have a genuine big-play offense. With Collins at the helm the offense has been able to mix it up and put points on the board.
The offense’s confidence has worked to inspire the defense. Already a good squad, with an offense that can score, the defense is setting about to create turnovers and shut people down late. Shawn Springs is playing out of his mind with 4 picks in the last 4 games. The defensive secondary as a whole is playing at a high-level and I could not be more happy with the play of Reed Doughty.
The defensive line was sick tonight, and this resulted in the lowest rushing total Dallas has ever had. Just 1 yard total. With that stat you have to give special credit to the interior line. The play of Griffin, Montgomery, and Golston was nothing short of superb. In Montgomery and Golston you have to feel great in that two late-round draft picks are contributing in a big way.
I am most happy for Coach Gibbs. In his presser tonight he mentioned how his error at the end of the Buffalo game was the low-point in his career. But now after going 5-11 last year, dealing with myriad injuries and the murder of Sean Taylor, Gibbs has guided this team back to the playoffs for the third time in three years. The results speak for themselves, and in this run, after all that has happened, I think we are witnessing Gibbs’ finest hour. I can’t wait to see where it ends.
So now the Redskins have a short week and must prepare to go back to Seattle - the scene of their last playoff game. I feel better about the Redskins’ chances this time. Seattle is not the team they were in 2005, and neither are the Redskins. They have managed to win in a cupcake division, having faced only 1 team with a winning record this year. We have more talent than last time and a real bad attitude.
Murf will be joining you from out west and I’ve made him promise to bring back a victory as if that happens, yours truly will be posting to you from Dallas.
Here’s to a great win and here’s to the playoffs!
:helmet:
Murf's Take
Holy hell. I’m spent and I didn’t even play a football game today. I imagine the guys will sleep well tonight after pulling off such a monster victory against the most hated of rivals. Who’d have thunk that this 5-7 team with the coach who calls back-to-back timeouts for fun would still be alive come playoff time? I’d like to say I believed, but that’s just not true. Like everyone else, I thought this team had the talent, but the emotional drain of losing Sean Taylor mixed with all the injuries and bad breaks was simply too much to overcome. Thankfully, the Redskins players thought differently.
With the season on the line, I can honestly say I was absolutely thrilled with the fans tonight. Even though it was pouring on us for most of the day, the fans came out in record numbers today – as it was announced today’s attendance of 90,910 was the most ever for a ‘Skins game. Not only that, but all the old faces who currently reside on the injured reserve list -- Jon Jansen, Carlos Rogers, Randy Thomas and Jason Campbell -- were on the sidelines for this one as well.
Pretty much everyone was here today … well … except Jessica Simpson. In fact, I didn’t even see a single person with a Jessica Simpson head-on-a-stick. But that doesn’t mean the fans weren’t creative. There were several guys dressed up as the pop star and none of it was pretty. Check out some of my photos for photos that will help keep you up late tonight.
JimmiJo and I like to get here early and to and get a general feel for the game at hand. Today, we were pleasantly surprised when we were chatting with several of the beat writers pregame. All of them said the same thing – they expected the Redskins to win today. Not because of anything going on with Dallas, but because of the business-like demeanor out at Redskins Park all week long. The words ‘focus’ and ‘determination’ were used multiple times, and not when referring to the way JimmiJo looks longingly into my eyes. I don’t think it can be argued -- the 2005 team might have had a long winning streak to close the season and a better record, but this team is much more of a threat.
One more pregame tidbit to pass along – Dexter Manley is a rockstar. No, seriously. He is. I don’t know if it’s because he has that hit TV series on Showtime or what, but the people of D.C. still absolutely love Mr. Manley. I walked next to him from the Cowboys sideline to the Redskins sideline and he couldn’t take two steps without someone giving him a hug, handshake or high five. It made me happy because he was one of my favorites growing up.
Seeing Dexter was great, but the happiness from my trip down memory lane almost came crashing down right before kickoff when Jason Fabini nearly puked on my shoe. Apparently pregame jitters got the best of him and had I not stepped to my right when I heard him about to spew, he would have broken in my new kicks in a way no man would like.
Now, onto the game. For all of you Redskins fans who have to deal with mouthy Cowboys fans, please keep this in mind – they can’t say their team didn’t try to win this game. Tony Romo, Marion Barber and the rest of the offensive starters played into the second half until the game was pretty much put away. So have that ready to go when the excuses start flowing. And speaking of Barber, the man needed 19 yards to get 1,000 for the season. That’s not much, I mean, Portis rushed for 23 yards on one carry today. But not only did Barber fail to gain 19 yards, the Cowboys only rushed for one single yard today. I repeat – one yard.
I asked Phillip Daniels a question about how a team with half their offensive players making the Pro Bowl could only rush for one single yard in an entire game and I loved his answer. You will too, if you listen to my interview. (hint, hint).
Clinton Portis and Santana Moss. Nuf’ said.
I absolutely love what I’m seeing from Anthony Montgomery and Chris Wilson on the defensive line. They are two great individuals off the field and seem to be improving each and every game on the field. I made Wilson promise to never change because I can see these guys becoming stars in this league and their personalities are so down-to-earth that I’d hate to see them change.
I also found time to mess with the cheerleaders during the game (yeah, yeah … I know … you hate me. I get that). They were drenched when they went to their locker room at halftime and all reappeared dry and much happier for the second half. I went up to one of my favorite cheerleaders and asked, “Exactly how many blow dryers were used during halftime?” She cracked up and told me, “We definitely shorted out more than a few.” Even though I was just as soaked, I actually felt bad for the girls. I speak from experience when I say it’s not easy looking hot in a monsoon.
Great sidebar: a Dallas Cowboys videographer was running his mouth to one of the security guards I’m friends with because he didn’t like having to stand behind the same yellow line the rest of the world has to. Well, they went back and forth for a little while and the Dallas guy, trying to take a shot at my buddy said, “You guys don’t even have a clue – your stadium isn’t even in D.C.” without missing a beat, the security guard fired back, “Neither is Dallas’ stadium, so whatcha got now?” much like the Cowboys on the field today, the answer was nothing.
Fast forward to the scene on the field after the win. The players were downright giddy as they trotted out on the field to rib the Cowboys players after the win. Fred Smoot was literally jumping up and down telling anyone within earshot, “We’ll see you guys again in two weeks.” While no one was willing to go on the record and guarantee victory against the Seahawks next Saturday, this team is simply overpowering teams on both sides of the ball and playing the kind of football that wins games in January. As one of the two lucky bastages who will be in Seattle next weekend I have to tell you, this has been a helluva ride and I, for one, hope it continues a little while longer. Take care and don’t forget to tip your bartender. Hail.
:helmet: