ES Fan View (Mark "Om" Steven): Football Fortunes

[Om]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=33629

Football Fortunes
By Mark Steven
January 3, 2008

Not going to delve deep into playoff analysis or get all impassioned on you. Just going to share a few random thoughts / impressions I hope you might identify with.

*
Fess up. How many times have you watched the tape of Sunday’s game?

Three times here.

Why? Well, beyond the obvious -- like the fact one simply cannot watch the burgundy and gold humiliate the silver and blue often enough -- I’ve also been trying to figure out what it is about this particular tape that is unlike any I’ve watched in a very long time.

It’s not like the Redskins haven’t won big games over the past few years, or that I haven’t enjoyed revisiting some of them. It’s not like that Cowboy-backside-punting, 35-7 extravaganza in December 2005, for example, hasn’t come off the shelf and been re-lived a couple times.

But there’s something about this last one that looks, well, different. Call me crazy, but The Big Jack’s grass looks greener. And I swear the burgundy looks deeper, the white looks crisper and the helmets gleam brighter.

And maybe it’s just me, but I could almost swear the guys wearing them look bigger. Faster. Stronger.

And then of course there’s the magnificent assemblage of ninety thousand partisan maniacs providing the soundtrack.

I dunno. Maybe I’m just a little giddy. Maybe it’s just that for the last few days I’ve been breathing deeper, standing taller and seeing clearer.

Whatever it is, I do know one thing.

I like it.

*
I’m a little hesitant to speak this aloud, but have you noticed the subtle shift lately in the vagaries of Redskins fortune?

Just for instance:

People didn’t used to drop big passes against the Redskins. That’s what we did. But when Giants WR Amani Toomer dropped a sure touchdown pass in a tight division game against us two weeks ago, it was hard not to notice.

Same with that poor fellow Miles Austin, who makes his home in Dallas and wears blue, who had another sure touchdown slip through his fingers a week later.

Seriously…guys just don’t drop those against the Redskins. Or at least they haven’t for a very long time.

Oh, it’s not like the devious Gridiron Gods are completely finished messing with us -- just ask London Fletcher.

Flash back to midway through the 2nd quarter. Redskins lead 10-0, and have the ball deep in their own end. Todd Collins gets blindsided and sacked, fumbles, and Dallas recovers on the Washington 18 yard line. Uh oh.

Three plays later (after those silly Cowboys actually tried to run the ball twice) Dallas has a crucial 3rd and 11. QB Tony Romo drops back and fires over the middle toward noted Redskin-killer TE Jason Witten. But there’s Redskins LB London Fletcher, jumping the route and in position to make the interception, heading the other way with a head of steam and nothing but green in front of him.

But no.

Instead, the ball slips right through Fletcher’s hands and into a surprised Witten’s belly. For a split second it looks like just another of those crushing, game-changing negative plays Redskins fans have kind of grown accustomed to over the years.

Rather than a game-breaking defensive touchdown, it appears Witten will plow for at least a first down, if not paydirt. Except the slick ball surprises Witten, he cannot hold on, and the ball trickles harmlessly to the (very green, in case you hadn’t noticed) FedEx grass.

So no, the Gods didn’t grant us the easy Pick Six, but they didn’t give Dallas the game-changing touchdown, either. The boys in blue settled for a Nick Folk chip-shot field goal.

A subtle shift in Football Fortune? Perhaps. But given after the way They have toyed with the Washington Redskins for lo these many years, I’ll take it. Baby steps.

By the way, feel free to (quietly, classily) remind any Dallas fan who talks too much about “how lucky the Redskins were” that Austin dropped that sure touchdown pass, that London Fletcher dropped one too.

Difference is, as Redskins fans we don’t feel compelled to keep bringing it up because, well, because transparently weak smack like that is the province of the butt-kickee, not the butt-kicker.

*
Did I mention I might be a little giddy this week?

*
Guess I can’t avoid the hottest topic of debate among Skins fans these days. On Todd Collins / Jason Campbell:

1) If you’re looking for the main reason (not the ONLY reason, the MAIN reason) the Redskins have won four straight and are rolling into the playoffs on a gathering wave of momentum, look no farther than Todd Collins.

The NFL remains a quarterback’s league. Collins is only the latest crystal-clear example of the profound effect getting the right guy at the right time under center can have on a franchise. A few key third-down conversions, one more drive per game ending in a touchdown rather a field goal, and it starts to snowball.

The players around him start gaining confidence and making plays. The defenders catch the vibe and start making plays. The coaches catch the vibe and suddenly everyone thinks they’ve gotten smarter. And it builds on itself.

But make no mistake; it starts with the trigger man.

2) I’ve noticed a lot of fellow Skins fans debating what the effect the Collins Phenomenon will have on Campbell and the rest of the team. It seems strange to me any fan of this team would be even remotely concerned about that at this point, given the Redskins are playing a playoff game this weekend, but since they are:

As far as I’m concerned, if Todd Collins’ storybook performance does anything other than inspire Jason Campbell to work harder, study longer, train harder and flat out resolve to be better, he’s not the young man I’ve thought he was all along.

Don’t worry about Jason Campbell. He’s going to be fine. He’s going to rise to the challenge and the team, long term, is going to be better for it. It’s been a long time since one of the team’s perceived “problems” heading into a new season is whether the starting QB that season will be the wily veteran who has done nothing less than light the entire franchise on fire, or the young stud who has already shown as much potential as any Redskins quarterback in a generation.

It’s an easy formula. Gibbs and Saunders throw the ball out there next spring, let the two play and see what happens.

In this case a little uncertainty isn’t a problem. It’s a gift.

*
Like any Redskins fan, I have concerns heading into Seattle.

Can the defense hold up against a solid veteran quarterback and deep receiving corps? Can the team sustain the emotional surge that’s carried it to this point, and more importantly, ratchet it up to playoff intensity? Will the clock suddenly strike midnight for Todd Collins?

Yeah, maybe.

But here’s the thing. There’s not a thinking fan of another team left standing who doesn’t have -- or at least shouldn’t have – issues they should be casting a wary eyeballing upon.

Start with the obvious. If you’re a Pats fan, in your heart of hearts, despite 16-0 and already having your guys anointed a Team for the Ages, are you not just a little concerned over being taken to the limit down the stretch by the likes of an average Philadelphia team, at home, and a godawful Baltimore team? How about giving up 35 points just this last weekend to a NY Giants team than struggled to get 10 against some afterthought wildcard entry from the weak-sister NFC? Can you imagine what history will say if you lose now?

If you’re a thinking Steelers fan, can you forget your head coach is a rookie who knows not the white-hot cauldron that is the playoffs? Or that you lost four of your last seven? Or that you got your backsides handed to you, at home, by the same Jaguars team coming to visit again this weekend, just three weeks ago?

If you’re a thinking Chargers fan, in your heart of hearts, can you forget for even one moment that your head coach, your fearless leader and rock on the sideline in crunch time, is anyone other than Norval Turner?

* shudder *

If you’re a Dallas fan, in your heart of hearts are you not just a little concerned about a team that sprinted to a brilliant start, but faltered badly down the stretch, looking like just another team in squeaking one out against a Detroit team in freefall, losing at home to Philly and hardly showing a pulse in getting trampled in a division rivalry game to close the regular season?

Okay, so that last one was a trick question. We were talking about thinking fans.

Ahem.

But you get the idea. Sure the Redskins have concerns. But no more so than any other team. And the truth is that of all the teams heading into the playoffs, none has “that look” about them at this moment more than this quiet, confident group of Redskins, coming off four consecutive convincing “must” wins, playing with purpose, chemistry, attitude and nothing but house money.

*
Saturday, January 5, 2008.

The NFL Wild Card round. The Seattle Seahawks versus the Washington Redskins.

42 inches of Plasma. Surround sound.

Hot food, a cold beverage.

Maybe two.

And a final, quick word to you younger Redskins fans, for whom this whole Redskins-in-the-playoffs thing is still rather new. Remember to breath, be prepared for anything, and don’t be too surprised if your team leaves you standing on the furniture.

Hail.

:helmet:

[CPortJGibbs89]

Hail to the ****ING Redskins OM!!! Gotta love it!!!

[wysknz1]

I didn't get to watch the game. I was hoping the NFL network would've showed it, but, no. We were force fed the denver game. So watch it one more time for me and enjoy :)

[Om]

I didn't get to watch the game. I was hoping the NFL network would've showed it, but, no. We were force fed the denver game. So watch it one more time for me and enjoy :)
The NFL Network carries a PG-13 rating, brother. Based on what the Skins did to the Cowboys in this one, it would have had to be NC-17.

Sorry. :)

[TheLongshot]

But there’s something about this last one that looks, well, different. Call me crazy, but The Big Jack’s grass looks greener. And I swear the burgundy looks deeper, the white looks crisper and the helmets gleam brighter.

And maybe it’s just me, but I could almost swear the guys wearing them look bigger. Faster. Stronger.

And then of course there’s the magnificent assemblage of ninety thousand partisan maniacs providing the soundtrack.

I dunno. Maybe I’m just a little giddy. Maybe it’s just that for the last few days I’ve been breathing deeper, standing taller and seeing clearer.

Whatever it is, I do know one thing.

I like it.

Ah, so you just upgraded to HD. Congratulation! ;)


People didn’t used to drop big passes against the Redskins. That’s what we did. But when Giants WR Amani Toomer dropped a sure touchdown pass in a tight division game against us two weeks ago, it was hard not to notice.

Actually, they did. I guess you forgot the Giants game in 2005 when Plexiglass dropped a sure TD pass early in the game, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

Course, that isn't unique with the Giants. Their receivers have dropped plenty of passes in both appearances against us. The problem in the first game was that we weren't much better, and they made us pay in the second half.

Jason

[zoony]

But there’s something about this last one that looks, well, different. Call me crazy, but The Big Jack’s grass looks greener. And I swear the burgundy looks deeper, the white looks crisper and the helmets gleam brighter.

And maybe it’s just me, but I could almost swear the guys wearing them look bigger. Faster. Stronger.

And then of course there’s the magnificent assemblage of ninety thousand partisan maniacs providing the soundtrack.

I dunno. Maybe I’m just a little giddy. Maybe it’s just that for the last few days I’ve been breathing deeper, standing taller and seeing clearer.

Whatever it is, I do know one thing.

I like it.



Credit the HD Signal :dunce:




:movefast:





sorry, couldn't resist :silly: Great read, you absolutely took the words out of my mouth regarding Collins and igniting the offense. Thanks for putting that in print... compared to 2 years ago, the amount of NFL fans in general who are starting to see just how much this is a Quarterback's league I think is amazing. Who can honestly argue against it anymore? (besides oldfan)

....

[ldysknzfn1]

Oh hell effing yeah baby! It's the playoffs! I'm loving every minute of this ride!! Praying it doesn't come to a halt any time soon!


Nice read and my sofa is being prepped even as I write this. The sofa has to be ready to catch me when I fall after holding my breath as the Seachickens miss the game winning FG w/0.00 seconds on the ticker!

HTTR! If you don't know.....you betta ask somebody!:applause: :notworthy :point2sky

[ST is my boy]

That was awesome OM....most entertaining thing ive ever read on extreme skins BY FAR. I wish you would have typed this on friday though.....you got me feendin!!!

Lets go get those Hawks...:cheers:

[herb mul-key]

standing on the seahawk seats singing httr

[JimmiJo]

Awesome, just awesome...

[stevenaa]

What a great place to be, the Playoffs. A little Momentum goes a long way. I waiting to hear the purr of the bandwagon.

[kleese]

Great read, OM.

My biggest concern is the whole "clock striking midnight" thing you mentioned. TC is the obvious concern, but the team as a whole fits into the category.

I have NO doubt that we will be "ready" to play on Sunday. I have NO doubt that we will have a solid gameplan and that the guys will be ready emotionally.

However, I also believe that Seattle will be emotionally ready (unlike Dallas last week) and that the Seahawks are aware of our hot streak and how well we've been playing. I do not think Seattle will take us lightly and enter the game with a blase' attitude.

I don't think we'll be able to win this game SIMPLY because we "want it" more than they do.

Another concern is that we've gotten ahead early in each of these 4 wins. In each game, a hot start gave us an early lead and we never allowed the opponent to make it too tense in the late stages of the game.

What if we stumble early in Seattle? What if TC finally throws an INT? What if we find ourselves down 10-0 in the 2nd quarter? Is the team capable from a pure football sense to handle that type of adversity?

The Seahawks are a "pros pro" type of team. They aren't going to hand you anything-- especially in their house. Seattle is balanced-- solid defense, solid offense, good coaching staff, very good QB..........I don't find them to have any particularly "scary" weapons, but their consistency, depth, and experience is hard to overcome on the road.

Let's face it, we're playing a basic core of a team that has won 34 of 41 home games over the past five years-- that isn't pure coincidence.

In 2005, they didn't overwhelm us by any means, but they played a steady, solid game, and plodded to a 10 point victory.

When watching the Seahawks, they are the kind of team that makes you say, "These guys aren't anything special," but you look at the score and they are up by 7 points late in the third quarter.

The Seahawks have BY FAR (better than the Giants, IMO) the best passing attack we've seen since Taylor's death. They have a very nice balance/depth at WR and Hasselebeck spreads the ball around nicely.

Over the past few weeks we've keyed on Plaxico and forced the Giants to go elsewhere. We've keyed on the Vikings running game and forced Jackson to throw the ball a lot more than they wanted.

We can't do that this week. The Seahawks are balanced, and there isn't ne specific area to "key" on this week. Hasselbeck is too good of a QB to simply "take out of the game" with a solid gameplan.

I don't think we can beat Seattle 17-13. That type of game will put a ton of pressure on our defense-- I think we need a bigger cushion this week.

The offense MUST control the ball and they MUST score in the redzone. If TC slips even a bit from the past few weeks, we probably can't win. He needs to be sharp and he needs to make plays downfield when they are there. I wasn't thrilled with our pass protection against Dallas, and Seattle is good at generating a rush--- it's another area where homefield and the noise really helps them.

Best case scenerio:

--Redskins score early as they have the past few weeks. Crowd isn't able to just explode on us from the get-go.
--Defense forces Hasselbeck to hit short routes. I think we need to keep Landry 30 yards back like we've been doing. If we get an early lead, the defense can force Seattle to dink and dunk-- that tends to frustrate an offense and sometimes encourages them to "force" things.
--Win the battle of the big plays. In 2005, Seattle made big plays when they needed to-- we didn't.

These things happen, and I could see us really frustrating the Seahawks, take the crowd out of the game and win in the 24-16 range.

Worst case scenerio:

--Seattle jumps out early and gets the crowd going.
--They rattle TC/force a turnover.
--Force the Redskins to play from behind, increasing the pressure on TC
--Seattle hits big plays in the passing game, eating up big chunks of yardage in a short time.

The Seahawks rev it up early and keep us at bay for the rest of the game, winning in the 27-13 range.

My prediction: Redskins win 23-20. I am basing this prediction heavily on the idea that we take an early lead.

[tthorsen5]

OM you are the man. Great read, I'll be standing on the furniture with you..........:point2sky HTTR

[Aston]

Gratz on the HD and another excellent post, OM!!

[demoonda]

The NFL Network carries a PG-13 rating, brother. Based on what the Skins did to the Cowboys in this one, it would have had to be NC-17.

Sorry. :)

hahah. HAIL!

[maxiumone]

Surprised me the other day I found a thinking Cowboys fan.

He said and I quote "If you all beat the hawks you are going to the Superbowl because we aint got nothing for you"

[Om]

Ah, so you just upgraded to HD. Congratulation! ;)
I knew I'd take hits on the HD angle. It's why I was sure to put something in there about the players looking not only bigger (42" over my previous 30"), but faster and stronger. Thought that might provide a buffer.

While we're on the subject, though ... noticed the crowd part? Figured I might as well go ahead and pimp the new surround sound as well. :cool:


Actually, they did. I guess you forgot the Giants game in 2005 when Plexiglass dropped a sure TD pass early in the game, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

Course, that isn't unique with the Giants. Their receivers have dropped plenty of passes in both appearances against us. The problem in the first game was that we weren't much better, and they made us pay in the second half.

Jason
You've been a fan of this team for long enough to know that good fortune has not really been a strong component of the Redskins karma over the past, oh, 15 years. Of course one can come up with isolated examples of the opposite being true. They just don't really stand up to the MASSIVE amount of evidence to the contrary.

So, brother Jason, take my advice. Pull down your pants and slide on the ice. :cool:


..... you absolutely took the words out of my mouth regarding Collins and igniting the offense. Thanks for putting that in print... compared to 2 years ago, the amount of NFL fans in general who are starting to see just how much this is a Quarterback's league I think is amazing. Who can honestly argue against it anymore? (besides oldfan)

....
Every year the league offers up examples like Collins. This year was no different. In fact, besides the light-switch turnaround when Collins stepped in for a banged-up and as a result sometimes hesitant Jason Campbell, the NFL offered an even clearer exhibit this year.

Not one objective person thought Cleveland was going to turn it around when their QB tandem heading into the season, as far as anyone knew, was Charlie Frye and draftee Brady "Wake Me When The Phone Rings" Quinn. Onto the stage walks some nobody named Anderson, who for at least this season played like The One, and voila--instant playoff contender, right out of the ashes of what appeared a dying administration.

But ... you're right. While MOST thinking people seem to get it by this point, there will always be holdouts. But that's okay--someone has to represent the fringe. ;)

[Blondie]

People can try to imitate you.

People can try to be like you.

But they just can't make it happen.

Another one I enjoyed!

[arkowi]

Fess up. How many times have you watched the tape of Sunday’s game?



Sigh, I have not re-watched it. I used to HD-Tivo every game. But I stopped with the Chicago game. And now, due to paralyzing superstition I can't bring bring myself to record the game. I know if I do, we will lose.

Good read as usual Om.

HTTR! :applause:

[TheLongshot]

You've been a fan of this team for long enough to know that good fortune has not really been a strong component of the Redskins karma over the past, oh, 15 years. Of course one can come up with isolated examples of the opposite being true. They just don't really stand up to the MASSIVE amount of evidence to the contrary.

Just pointing out that we did have some luck in that 5 game run to the playoffs in 2005, just as we had some in this late 4 game run. The problem then was that we had nothing left by the time we made the playoffs. Right now, we still look strong even with all the things that happened.

Jason

[TheLongshot]

BTW, I only saw some of the game last night, when I was cutting the commercials from my recording. I'm too busy watching bowl games and trying to clear space off of the hard drive for Saturday to revisit the game just yet.

Jason

[arkowi]

Just pointing out that we did have some luck in that 5 game run to the playoffs in 2005, just as we had some in this late 4 game run. The problem then was that we had nothing left by the time we made the playoffs. Right now, we still look strong even with all the things that happened.

Jason

2005 certainly had that "coasting on fumes" feel too it by the time we got the to the playoffs. Portis had been carrying us for 5 games, Brunell had been hurt since the Giants game. etc. This year certainly *feels* different.

[Blue Collar Skins]

Om always love your posts!!

[21dave]

The NFL Network carries a PG-13 rating, brother. Based on what the Skins did to the Cowboys in this one, it would have had to be NC-17.

Sorry. :)

That made me laugh. Nice post Om

[isle-hawg]

Om always love your posts!!

Me too, as well as Art's. Why they are not writing/working for ESPN instead of fat ass blowhards such as Pastabelly I don't get!

[Woofer]

Nice job Om.

I don't know if its the football gods, or luck, or Sean still playing safety from above (as some have suggested), or what.

I don't think it's any of those things. I think its something more. The team is not over achieving, playing above themselves, or just getting lucky. There is a purpose, a determination, and an inspiration. They believe in themselves, and they believe in their coach.


And so do I.

[REDALERT]

See OM!


It's these kinds of threads that get us Skins fans all hyperventilating and what not and that's on Monday darn you :D . But until Sunday strikes and I'm standing on my furniture and calling other Redskin fans/family during and after the game after witnessing domination (cowboys game), I'm not buying it.


We need a true redskin fan to jinx the hawks by stating "The Skins will lose this game" so the players can again be looked toward as the underdogs and not having a chance in H@ll to win. I've waited 15 years, count 'em, fifteen freaking years for this and I'm not going to let you blow it.

Seahawks 27 - Skins 23


@!#@^%@$#@## ;)

[Wyvern]

Thanks, Om. Nice read . . . as always!

[brooksflow]

I loved reading this. Well done and thanks! And I thought I was pumped last week.

[chrisxcore]

Chills Om, chills. Great read.


Just to put a little of my own feeling into this... Yeah, this all does feel different. The Giants game, the Minnesota game and the Dallas game too. There's something different. There's a bit of a swagger to this team as of late - something we haven't seen in a while and something I can get quite used to seeing, truthfully. These are men on a mission. Even if it ends in disappointment, the same disappointmet we all know so well and have almost come to expect - I've said it since week one. This season just feels different. No one saw what happened to Sean coming and truthfully I thought to myself through tears when all that unfolded - This must've been what I was feeling all along, this must've been why I had that knot in my gut every Sunday and in the days before. But it hasn't gone away, it's still there. It's stronger now. My Dad (a Giants fan) called me the night after we won in New York at about 1am. I thought something was terribly wrong. He called because he said he had this feeling and had to tell me right away. His exact words to me: "Something big is about to happen for your 'Skins, bud." He was right. As always.

So, lets go out and get a couple more. I can definitely get used to feeling like this.


I apologize if I got off-topic. Just never been more proud to be a Redskins fan.



HAIL. :helmet:

[isle-hawg]

Nice job Om.

I don't know if its the football gods, or luck, or Sean still playing safety from above (as some have suggested), or what.

I don't think it's any of those things. I think its something more. The team is not over achieving, playing above themselves, or just getting lucky. There is a purpose, a determination, and an inspiration. They believe in themselves, and they believe in their coach.


And so do I.


:applause::applause::applause:

[illone]

Nice work as usual, Om.

If I'm the Redskins, I give Todd Collins every opportunity to stay here and play next year.

:2cents:

[Thirtyfive2seven]

At what point is Todd Collins going to look like the 36 years old 10 year backup? I'm worried man. I don't know how much longer Todd Collins can hold this thing together. You stated that he is one of the main factors and that is what scares me more than it comforts me

[TheLongshot]

Another thing, Om, we really weren't that lucky in the Dallas game. While Dallas wasn't able to connect on one big play, all four of the challenges that were made in the game went against us. We lost a fumble. But, we were able to win because we dominated them THAT much.

Jason

[dcsmooth]

Another article written by Om...it's always a pleasure to read.


Thanks, Om.

[sens11]

I actually saw that a story had been written today on redskins.com, so I came here to read and get a feel from the audience as always.

OM, you summed up some of the things that not only a Redskins fan would feel, but a fan of any team would feel when your team just has that "magic".

What makes it different for us is what Joe Gibbs refers to as the best sports franchise and best fans out there. It's just what you said here....

"And I swear the burgundy looks deeper, the white looks crisper and the helmets gleam brighter."

Trust me, the burgundy is deeper, the white is criper, & the helmets fo GLEAM brighter. Well said! Well Said!!

There is nothing better than having that magic and being proud to be a Redskins Fan!!

Hail to the Redskins!

:logo: :logo: :logo: :logo: :logo: :logo: :logo: :logo:

[Om]

Sorry about the delay in responding. Ended up suffering through the latest VT offensive meltdown last night and not really in the mood.

Friggin’ Stinespring.

Better now.

Kinda.



Great read, OM.

My biggest concern is the whole "clock striking midnight" thing you mentioned. TC is the obvious concern, but the team as a whole fits into the category.

I have NO doubt that we will be "ready" to play on Sunday. I have NO doubt that we will have a solid gameplan and that the guys will be ready emotionally.

However, I also believe that Seattle will be emotionally ready (unlike Dallas last week) and that the Seahawks are aware of our hot streak and how well we've been playing. I do not think Seattle will take us lightly and enter the game with a blase' attitude.

I don't think we'll be able to win this game SIMPLY because we "want it" more than they do....

.... These things happen, and I could see us really frustrating the Seahawks, take the crowd out of the game and win in the 24-16 range.

Worst case scenerio:

--Seattle jumps out early and gets the crowd going.
--They rattle TC/force a turnover.
--Force the Redskins to play from behind, increasing the pressure on TC
--Seattle hits big plays in the passing game, eating up big chunks of yardage in a short time.

The Seahawks rev it up early and keep us at bay for the rest of the game, winning in the 27-13 range.

My prediction: Redskins win 23-20. I am basing this prediction heavily on the idea that we take an early lead.
Really nice post. Don’t disagree with any of it. All I’d mention is that if the hints of magic we’ve seen from this Redskins team over the last four weeks is the real thing and not a mirage, all the “logical” assessments of what “should” happen in this game go out the window.

This particular Gibbs team has a feel about it right now. One thing I’ve learned is that when a Gibbs team has that feel ... crazy things tend to happen. Not saying they WILL, just sitting back with a little smile on my face knowing that if they DO, we could well be in for some wild ****ing ride over the next few weeks. :)


Surprised me the other day I found a thinking Cowboys fan.

He said and I quote "If you all beat the hawks you are going to the Superbowl because we aint got nothing for you"
Was hoping someone would mention the “thinking Dallas fan” oxymoron I threw in there. Thanks for noticing. :)

If we end up getting a chance to go down to Big D next week and take our shot at derailing the Great Romo Express, with Dallas being unable to claim not to care this time, my guess is we’ll see a WHOLE lot of false bravado out of many Cowboy fans. Not easy to be the team that, by all accounts, “should” win fairly easily ... particularly when that team has spent the last few weeks of the season stumbling around and letting the seeds of doubt start to take root.


People can try to imitate you.

People can try to be like you.

But they just can't make it happen.

I know, dammit. Too many of them still have hair.

Thanks for the sentiment, though. ;)


2005 certainly had that "coasting on fumes" feel too it by the time we got the to the playoffs. Portis had been carrying us for 5 games, Brunell had been hurt since the Giants game. etc. This year certainly *feels* different.
Certainly offensively, this year’s team is light years ahead of where the 2005 team was heading into the playoffs. In ‘05, we had a one-legged Mark Brunell just two weeks removed from having his knee bent backwards by the Giants in Game 15. He had nothing by the time we got to Tampa. We had to rely 100% on the running game and hope the defense could pull us through.

This year, we have a phenomenon in Todd Collins who is playing as well as any QB in the league this side of Brady or Peyton Manning. If he can provide even above-average QB’ing in the playoffs, and keep the playmakers involved, I think this O has a chance to make some noise.

I think our ‘05 DEFENSE was playing a little stronger than this year’s group at playoff time, particularly in terms of pressuring the passer and in the secondary, but overall I think this year’s D is peaking at the right time and should be able to at least keep the Skins in the game as long as the offense holds up its end and doesn’t keep them on the field too long or always trying to defend a short field.

Meaning ... I agree there is a far different “feel” this year. The 2005 team was fighting with one hand tied behind its back. This year’s team looks to be surging and able to hurt you from any number of angles if you let your guard down.


Me too, as well as Art's. Why they are not writing/working for ESPN instead of fat ass blowhards such as Pastabelly I don't get!
Nice of you to say, brother.

Except ... if I wrote for ESPN, every self-respecting Redskins fan would have to despise my guts. Hell, I’d have to despise my OWN guts.

Not sure I could handle that.

[Chief Gillespie]

Absolutely fantastic read, Om. Always enjoy 'em!

BTW, I got you by 8 inches. :laugh:

[Om]

Nice job Om.

I don't know if its the football gods, or luck, or Sean still playing safety from above (as some have suggested), or what.

I don't think it's any of those things. I think its something more. The team is not over achieving, playing above themselves, or just getting lucky. There is a purpose, a determination, and an inspiration. They believe in themselves, and they believe in their coach.

And so do I.
Right with you, brother. No one knows exactly what “it” is, but it’s pretty clear that “it” has happened to this team over the past month. And as of today, there’s no reason to think “it” is over.


See OM!

It's these kinds of threads that get us Skins fans all hyperventilating and what not and that's on Monday darn you :D . But until Sunday strikes and I'm standing on my furniture and calling other Redskin fans/family during and after the game after witnessing domination (cowboys game), I'm not buying it.
Just in case ... this was actually published on Thursday, not Monday.

And because I’d hate you to miss the damn thing ... the next game isn’t on Sunday, it’s on Saturday.

You can thank me later. :)


Chills Om, chills. Great read.

Just to put a little of my own feeling into this... Yeah, this all does feel different. The Giants game, the Minnesota game and the Dallas game too. There's something different. There's a bit of a swagger to this team as of late - something we haven't seen in a while and something I can get quite used to seeing, truthfully. These are men on a mission. Even if it ends in disappointment, the same disappointmet we all know so well and have almost come to expect - I've said it since week one. This season just feels different. No one saw what happened to Sean coming and truthfully I thought to myself through tears when all that unfolded - This must've been what I was feeling all along, this must've been why I had that knot in my gut every Sunday and in the days before. But it hasn't gone away, it's still there. It's stronger now. My Dad (a Giants fan) called me the night after we won in New York at about 1am. I thought something was terribly wrong. He called because he said he had this feeling and had to tell me right away. His exact words to me: "Something big is about to happen for your 'Skins, bud." He was right. As always.

So, lets go out and get a couple more. I can definitely get used to feeling like this.

I apologize if I got off-topic. Just never been more proud to be a Redskins fan.

HAIL. :helmet:
Absolutely no apology necessary, and thanks for sharing that story about your Dad. That’s what it’s all about. And as more and more people talk about their noticing the “it” we’re talking about today ... "it" seems to become more and more real.


Another thing, Om, we really weren't that lucky in the Dallas game. While Dallas wasn't able to connect on one big play, all four of the challenges that were made in the game went against us. We lost a fumble. But, we were able to win because we dominated them THAT much.

Jason
Except that each of those challenges were called correctly. We had a couple overturned that went against us, but the changed calls were correct. So all that means is that the initial call that went in our favor was a mistake.

I’d agree if they were of the “no way you can overturn that” variety we’ve seen so often that get overturned anyway (like Seller’s TD against MINN for example), but at least in the Dallas game, they weren’t.

Still and all ... I think the larger point holds. It’s been a lot of years since Football Fortune really seemed to be on the side of the burgundy and gold. As I’ve written only semi-jokingly before, I still think we’re paying the price for the deal JKC (RIP) made with Mephistopheles back in 1980 whereby if he’d grant us a great head coach who would win JKC multiple championships, he (the fork-tailed dude) could do anything he wanted to and with the team after JKC shucked off his mortal coil, for as long as he (the grumpy red guy) wanted.

Lately, based as much on a feeling as observing a dropped pass here and there, I can almost say without looking over my shoulder that I’m thinking the Nasty Grid God might have tired of messing with us and started looking elsewhere. Just in case, I’m making nightly offerings of silver stars in hopes of directing He Who Shall No Longer **** With The Skins to His next nefarious playground.


Excellent writing OM ... even for a "homer." Skins have a hot poker hand now and you have to be wary that it will turn cold at any moment ... I ... like you ... am worried about the "law" of luck and chance as much as Hasselbeck and his crew. But the Skins are better than '05 on both sides of the ball whereas the Hawks are not ... ergo, B&G goes back to Dallas.
Word.

And thanks. Compliments are always welcome ... even from a “hater.” :)

[Om]

Absolutely fantastic read, Om. Always enjoy 'em!

BTW, I got you by 8 inches. :laugh:
:paranoid:

There's a new sheriff in town.

[skinsgirl26]

Wow, thanks, that was fantastic.

Can you possibly make it somehow be Saturday already?

[Om]

Wow, thanks, that was fantastic.

Can you possibly make it somehow be Saturday already?
Absolutely, but I'm kinda swamped right now.

Check back with me in around 10 hours. :)

[fnkdctr(007)]

Lay the smack down. Redskins Roll

[ross3909]

I have watched it twice since being at the game Sunday. I may have to keep it on the DVR for ever. What a game.

[sideshow24]

My recording cut off before Brad Johnson donned his old skins jersey to taunt us again. Got any footage of it? It had to have happened. I did see him wearing a Chris Wilson jersey tho. It looked great on him!!

[Om]

My recording cut off before Brad Johnson donned his old skins jersey to taunt us again. Got any footage of it? It had to have happened. I did see him wearing a Chris Wilson jersey tho. It looked great on him!!
Nice. :cool:

[36HAMMER]

om, great as always. i'm just going to sit down and have me a big steaming bowl of skins in the playoffs soup and enjoy a sweet dessert called victory. hail redskins

[Pete]

I'm glad to see you want from not quite a smile a week ago to giddy.

Great read as always brother, but only beverage....... Maybe two ? This season is beyond reality in so many ways, I figured you might open up that time capsule from years back, and relive the old days ;)

:cheers:

[Anne The Fan]

If you’re a thinking Chargers fan, in your heart of hearts, can you forget for even one moment that your head coach, your fearless leader and rock on the sideline in crunch time, is anyone other than Norval Turner?

Well played, sir. Well played. :)


This particular Gibbs team has a feel about it right now. One thing I’ve learned is that when a Gibbs team has that feel ... crazy things tend to happen. Not saying they WILL, just sitting back with a little smile on my face knowing that if they DO, we could well be in for some wild ****ing ride over the next few weeks.

Yes, yes and yes. I’m definitely feeling something, but still can’t quite put my finger on what it is, exactly. Maybe good football mojo is working in my life; maybe I’m just coming down with the flu. :)

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I’ll always be damn proud of the way this team handled its business down the home stretch this season. God, I love these guys.

[kleese]

I'm a greedy SOB. Last week, I said just get me in the playoffs and I'll be happy. Making the playoffs is an accomplishment in itself this year. I said if we beat Dallas that I'd be relaxed and calm for the wild card game.

Wrong.

I think what's eating at me right now is knowing that with ONE win we get to go to Dallas in the late Sunday game next week. That is truly an amazing possibility. It would be only the third Redskins-Cowboys playoff game ever and the first in 25 years.
It would be an electric atmosphere and by far the most anticipated game nationally next week. Plus, it's THE prime TV slot for the week, meaning we'd get to watch all three other games before ours.

So, now, I feel greedy. No matter what, I'm thrilled and proud to be a Redskins fan this year. But man, how sweet would NEXT week be.............

[xraycat7055]

good stuff as usual

[PapaDRoc]

Just got me more pumped for the game tomorrow. Good stuff Om!

[Om]

Thanks again, all.

Here's to raising it yet another level next week. :)