Continuing from the previous blog which briefly discussed the outstanding NFC East beginning with the first place NY Giants. Next up is the Washington Redskins.
Not many people expected the Redskins to be this good after an embarrassing loss and performance in Week 1 against the Giants. In the weeks following they proved that they are no fluke and they are a true contender.
There was a lot of ups and downs for this team in the pre-season and it looked as if they'd end up a mediocre team once again. With the departure of former Head Coach Joe Gibbs and the addition of Jim Zorn, a first time NFL Head Coach, there were many skeptics. Pundits also predicted QB Jason Campbell to be a bust and show no signs of improvement; that the Redskins can't win games with him at the QB position. But not all was so bad for the 'Skins as they picked up a Pro-Bowl defensive end in Jason Taylor and addressing the lack of depth in the WR position by picking up Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly in the draft. But questions still rose asking if this team would be able to come together early on in their development and not fall apart.
It didn't look good when they loss in a demeaning fashion in Week 1 against the Giants but the Redskins picked up their slack winning the next 6 out of 7 games, proving they are for real. Jason Campbell was playing absolutely mistake free football, not having turned the ball over halfway through the season and playing like a big time QB. Next to him in the huddle is Running Back Clinton Portis. Portis is second in the league in rushing, along with the greatest pass blocking he's ever managed to accomplish and has been incredible for Washington this year, not only in playing but being a leader and mentor to the younger players. Portis has been mentioned for the League's MVP so far, and deservedly so. The 'Skins Number 1 WR, Santana Moss, was only a mere forgotten thought of last year's season but has made a great comeback from a poor season a year ago. Leading the team in Yards (672) and receiving TDs (5), Moss has most certainly been a big part of the Redskins great season so far but knows there's a whole half season more to go.
The offense though can't do it all by itself and it sure hasn't. The Washington defense has stepped up and is ranked 4th in overall defense. Giving up a mere 18.7 points per game, it's tough for teams to score on the Redskins defense. On paper, their defense doesn't stick out and certainly won't surprise anyone but the key stat is only letting opposing QBs complete 55 percent of their passes. By not allowing the passing game to get going, the defense is forcing a lot of 3-and-outs, punts, and short times of possession, letting the offense get to work and keep the defense fresh and ready to rumble. By only allowing a 55 percent completion rate, opposing defenses get tired and restless and also creates frustration and forced errors. Taking care of the ball and letting the opponent make the mistakes is what the Redskins are all about.
What seems to be an unstoppable game plan was put to shame in their last game against the Steelers in a devastating 23-6 loss at home on Monday Night Football. It was the first game where Campbell turned over the ball, throwing 2 INTs. It was also the first time Portis was held to under 20 carries, rushing for 51 yards on 13 attempts, his season low for both. The defense let up 70 percent of Steelers back up QB Byron Leftwich when starter Ben Roethlisberger injured his shoulder and was out for the game. It was in this game the tables turned and the Redskins were the ones making the mistakes. But this is the type of loss that the Redskins may have needed to put them back on their toes. Following this game came a well-needed bye week to rest and re-evaluate their shortcomings and come back stronger than ever.
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