1. Cross Roads
After five game last season, the Redskins were 0-5, and fans were jumping ship faster than camels on an Iraqui Cruiser. Now the Skins are 2-3. Last week the Redskins played their best game of the season in Tennessee, only to watch the Saints march in and crush the team at home. The Saints won the game in every aspect. Week 5, 2002 brings us to another crossroads. This team must now find a way to win 7 of the next 11 ballgames in order to have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs. One game at a time, one play at a time, this team can find a way to win. The question is; will they?
2. Courage under Fire
Patrick Ramsey has GUTS! The Saints did everything humanly, and unhumanely possible to knock Ramsey out of the game. He took ferocious shots to every part of his body and most of his internal organs. But Ramsey got up. He was knocked down, kicked, punched, pounced upon and poked. But Ramsey got up. The Saints are a very talented team, but the Redskins made them look like they were playing with 16 players, the Fearsome Foursome, the Steel Curtain and Orange Crush. Still, Ramsey managed to stay in the game. We've found our leader, now let's find a way to keep him on his feet.
3. Safeties Out Numbered
However you pronounce - Ifeanyi Ohalete, you've said it all. In terms of safeties playing for the Redskins. Ohalete is pushing hard for the starting spot, and should have earned it after yesterday's repeatedly poor effort by Sam Shade and David Terrell. It's too bad Ohalete doesn't have a brother, friend or relative to step in to the lineup as well. Shade and Terrell have been less than useless as safeties in the 'new' defensive scheme. At this point, we would be better off switching a reserve LB to the position. At least they would find a body to hit... even if it was the guy holding the down marker, at least they'd hit somebody.
4. Ug-Line
Possibly the ugliest performance of a Redskins offensive line in a decade was witnessed Sunday. The Saints are talented, but even reserves were shedding blocks and making huge plays. The line will improve this week, simply because there is no depth deeper than they have fallen. Samuels is obviously bothered by the groin injury and he'll face Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilla this week. Another speed-rush guy to give Samuels a workout. This group needs a good brawl. When your QB gets sandwiched between two defensive linemen and a third falls on the pile, you've gotta take that PERSONALLY. This week will be a challenge to each lineman's manhood and character.
5. Snow Pack
The weather forecast in Green Bay is SNOW. Having a sure-footed, bruising running back should be a plus. Hey, we've got one of those! Stephen Davis should be given the opportunity to take this game into his hands. That is - BOTH HANDS! The ball will be slick, the footing may be slicker. Possession recievers like Chris Doering have an advantage in this type of game. Brett Farve is, arguably, the best QB in the NFL. Snow, wind, bad conditions add up to a potential upset in Green Bay - but the Redskins will have to play their best game of the season to date.
6. Did you Hear That?
When you listen to Coach Spurrier's next press conference, listen for the things he doesn't say. Scooby Doo: Wroinks? Spurrier doesn't like the press and the spotlight. He is pained by the duration of the questions being asked of him. There is an underlying discomfort that will surely be heard differently by the players and staff. Spurrier tries to put on his best face for the cameras. In meetings and in practice, he can truly be himself. I would love to be a fly on the wall this week at Redskin Park. You can expect Coach Spurrier to find a way to motivate this team to play... and we'll need all the motivation we can get for the Packers.
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