While many saw continued failure resulting after the Redskins ninth loss of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, some of us started feeling more positive about the future that lies ahead for this team.
Sunday night revealed the real Washington Redskins. Like the Redskins of old, the Redskins of new displayed the same reputation that led this franchise to four Super Bowl appearances under Joe Gibbs. The offense was attacking and the defense was fearless and hard-hitting.
Ladell Betts electrified the FedEx Field crowd by starting the game off with a 70-yard kickoff return. After tacking on an Eagles penalty as well, the Redskins offense began their first drive at Philadelphia’s 7-yard line. Two plays later, Clinton Portis scored on a 5-yard run. The Redskins scored on the Eagles in the first 46 seconds of the game and the message was clearly sent: “We aren’t scared.”
The Redskins offense picked on Philadelphia’s defense throughout the game. H-Back Chris Cooley shined with 5 catches for 75 yards and was able to put the Redskins back in the game when called upon. Clinton Portis’ production slowed down after the first half but he showed plenty of grit fighting off an ankle injury and scoring two touchdowns. Laveranues Coles registered his third 100-yard game of the season and was not slowed down despite taking plenty of hits all night long. In the first quarter, The Dirtbags brought back flashes of “The Body Bag Game” by forcing the exits of three starting Eagles defensive linemen due to injuries.
The Redskins No. 2 defense continued to stay true to form by blitzing constantly and forcing McNabb to hurry throws. Terrell Owens was limited to just 6 catches for 46 yards and 0 touchdowns. Antonio Pierce’s fumble recovery from Terrell Owens displayed the defense’s hard-nosed style of play. Sean Taylor was a constant force, laying out hits whenever he found the opportunity. Whether it be knocking Owens out of bounds, preventing Greg Lewis from scoring with a crushing hit at the goal line, or by simply striking fear into opponents (not to point anyone out… Todd Pinkston).
Sunday Night’s 17-14 loss to the 12-1, NFC East Champion Philadelphia Eagles finally showed what the Redskins have been capable of doing all season. The Redskins were able to show that they can go toe-to-toe with the big boys. As a team, the Skins played physical, focused, determined to win, and most importantly, confident.
While in the end the result was not in their favor, the Washington Redskins have no reason to look down... they need only to look ahead.
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