Unfortunately I wasn't able to cover this monumental game for the Washington Redskins, but the Associated Press was and so I will admit that their article on espn.com clued me in on the score.
27-6. The Redskins not only dominated the Cowboys (yes I know, a not-so-motivated Dallas team, having already clinched the NFC 1 seed) but they did it by the same margin as the number worn by their slain teammate Sean Taylor.
This is special stuff. If you are a Redskins fan you were probably aware of some of the accomplishments that Dallas looked forward to in this game, regardless of a win or loss. The AP article highlighted how well Washington played on both sides of the ball to ruin any possible icing on Dallas's cake.
"The Cowboys (13-3), who will have a bye next week, tried to muster any motivation they could find, but almost none of their goals were realized. They had hoped to win a 14th regular-season game for the first time in franchise history. Jason Witten caught only two passes, falling four short of becoming the second tight end to get 100 in a season. Receiver Terry Glenn, active for the first time all season, failed to catch a pass.
Marion Barber not only finished 25 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season, but Barber (minus-6 yards) and Julius Jones (7) combined for 1 yard -- setting a new franchise record for rushing futility. The Cowboys defense allowed a 100-yard rusher for the first time this season. The offense went 0-for-11 converting third downs, and Dallas lost its season finale for the eighth straight year."
Stifling defense might be the best way to sum that all up. The Redskins truly went our there the last four games and played the way Sean Taylor always did — with a purpose and a passion like each game was his last.
Unfortunately Sean is gone and has played his last, but the Seattle Seahawks and the rest of the NFL playoff teams better believe the Redskins don't want to play their last one of the season anytime soon.
Sean continues to be a source of inspiration for this team whether it is the No. 21 towels, his name hanging in the Ring, the No. 21 on the jerseys and helmets or an autographed photo written by an unknowing soon-to-be victim of senseless murder.
Sorry Seattle but it just doesn't look too good for you. Todd Collins and coach Joe Gibbs have revitalized this team with their play and motivation, respectively, and aside from the 16-0 Patriots, Washington has the hottest team in the league.
Oh and the autograph Taylor once signed has three words that will be echoing throughout the game next week as Washington looks to take care of business: WE WANT DALLAS!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Slackin' for a Reason
I'll get back to this thing once I'm done being the statistician at the Chantilly tournament I work. And in case you were wondering, no the field is not good this year. There have been some incredibly boring games and we still have 7 more tomorrow.
Tomorrow's championship games feature both Chantilly teams. The girls will probably lose to a much more disciplined and better-coached Georgetown Visitation team and the guys shouldn't have too much trouble beating Landon.
Get ready for some Skins' action because this Dallas game is huge and although I wasn't granted press credentials for this one i'll be dissecting it closely.
Tomorrow's championship games feature both Chantilly teams. The girls will probably lose to a much more disciplined and better-coached Georgetown Visitation team and the guys shouldn't have too much trouble beating Landon.
Get ready for some Skins' action because this Dallas game is huge and although I wasn't granted press credentials for this one i'll be dissecting it closely.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Be Smart and Stay With Collins
With yesterday's convincing win over Minnesota at the Metrodome, Washington is now in the driver seat.
A win Sunday against the Cowboys puts the Redskins in the playoffs with the sixth and final spot in the NFC and they have a patient backup quarterback to thank for it.
Todd Collins has led a once emotionally-drained football team to where even Jason Campbell may not have. Since Campbell's gruesome-looking knee injury against the Bears, Collins has put the Redskins offense on his back and pulled out three straight impressive victories.
And it's not like he's just been handing it off. When facing three solid defenses with impressive front-fours, coach Joe Gibbs needed his quarterback to be able to make plays through the air.
Collins has done just that. Last night's performance may have been the most impressive; 22-of-29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. But in the last about two and one half games Collins has four touchdowns and a huge ZERO interceptions. A completion percentage above 60 has also helped Collins reach a passer rating of 107.
So now all of the talk has started about whether or not you stick with Collins if Campbell practices and is healthy. The answer is yes you stick with him because he is the guy who has helped turn things around and he has the hot hand. It's that simple.
Is Collins a better athlete and the future of the team? No, of course not Campbell is. But the Skins can't worry about the future right now they need to ride Collins' solid play as long as they can. That might mean that Campbell gets back in during the playoffs but for all the people who say you cant lose your job to injury, you're wrong.
Hopefully Gibbs — who has a tendency to be conservative — wont just go back to Campbell because it's convenient. He and the coaching staff have made some big mistakes this year, but have helped make up for it over the last few weeks. They're playing loose and making big plays, like Portis' halfback option pass to Randel-el.
Let Collins keep throwing it deep up the sidelines and let Portis and Betts do the majority of the work through the middle of the field. With the Cowboys nursing injuries this simple formula should work for Collins and the offense.
Oh and the Defense. Not too much to worry about there. They've been doing their thing all year and will continue to do just that.
A win Sunday against the Cowboys puts the Redskins in the playoffs with the sixth and final spot in the NFC and they have a patient backup quarterback to thank for it.
Todd Collins has led a once emotionally-drained football team to where even Jason Campbell may not have. Since Campbell's gruesome-looking knee injury against the Bears, Collins has put the Redskins offense on his back and pulled out three straight impressive victories.
And it's not like he's just been handing it off. When facing three solid defenses with impressive front-fours, coach Joe Gibbs needed his quarterback to be able to make plays through the air.
Collins has done just that. Last night's performance may have been the most impressive; 22-of-29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. But in the last about two and one half games Collins has four touchdowns and a huge ZERO interceptions. A completion percentage above 60 has also helped Collins reach a passer rating of 107.
So now all of the talk has started about whether or not you stick with Collins if Campbell practices and is healthy. The answer is yes you stick with him because he is the guy who has helped turn things around and he has the hot hand. It's that simple.
Is Collins a better athlete and the future of the team? No, of course not Campbell is. But the Skins can't worry about the future right now they need to ride Collins' solid play as long as they can. That might mean that Campbell gets back in during the playoffs but for all the people who say you cant lose your job to injury, you're wrong.
Hopefully Gibbs — who has a tendency to be conservative — wont just go back to Campbell because it's convenient. He and the coaching staff have made some big mistakes this year, but have helped make up for it over the last few weeks. They're playing loose and making big plays, like Portis' halfback option pass to Randel-el.
Let Collins keep throwing it deep up the sidelines and let Portis and Betts do the majority of the work through the middle of the field. With the Cowboys nursing injuries this simple formula should work for Collins and the offense.
Oh and the Defense. Not too much to worry about there. They've been doing their thing all year and will continue to do just that.
Important Reminder During Christmas Season
I'll get to my Redskin blogging tomorrow, I'm still pumped and soaking it in. Plus we have one more game to handle so no getting too far ahead.
But I was forwarded this great video and I want to share it with you. Just remember that whether or not you support the cause our soldiers fight for, you need to support them and let them know we are always there for them.
God Bless the U.S.A., Merry Christmas and enjoy.
But I was forwarded this great video and I want to share it with you. Just remember that whether or not you support the cause our soldiers fight for, you need to support them and let them know we are always there for them.
God Bless the U.S.A., Merry Christmas and enjoy.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Check Out My JMU Posts on SportingNews.com
Check out my JMU basketball blogs at the campus watch section of the sportingnews.com.
Today I will be listening to the Dukes over the radio and will likely do a blog at halftime and following the game. When live at the Convocation Center I will usually only do a postgame blog because there is no internet connection there.
Click the link above and check out my college blog along with many others across the country.
Today I will be listening to the Dukes over the radio and will likely do a blog at halftime and following the game. When live at the Convocation Center I will usually only do a postgame blog because there is no internet connection there.
Click the link above and check out my college blog along with many others across the country.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sean Taylor: Rightfully Honored
I cant really say that I thought it was a possibility, when I saw a facebook group lobbying for Sean Taylor's vote in the Pro Bowl.
Obviously they left his name on the ballot, but I just wasn't sure people would be compassionate enough to understand that he truly deserved it.
And I'm not just saying it because I'm a big Skins fan or because he died and I think it is a nice gesture. At the time of his injury two weeks prior to the tragic murder, Sean was leading the league in interceptions with five.
The interceptions were a product of his improvement in coverage which was a testament to his overall maturation as a man. The story has been told over and over, but I think it's important that people know he was turning his life around.
Defensive coordinator Greg Williams along with Jason Campbell and other players have spoke of Sean being that guy who was the first in and the last to leave. That kind of commitment gets you numbers like 46 tackles (34 solo), 1 forced fumble, 5 interceptions for 96 yards and 9 other pass deflections through about 8.5 games.
His numbers along with a ever-menacing presence to opposing wide receivers was surely going to place him in his second consecutive Pro-Bowl. Thankfully the fans, players and coaches see it like I do and have voted Sean to the starting safety position where he should be this February.
Not having you still here with us Sean is awful, but I'm glad we can remember you with this gesture and continue remembering the good things that allow us to celebrate you instead of mourn.
Rest in Peace # 21.
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