| Craig Johnson. 25th September, 2006 - 3:10 pm
 Washington came into Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with much to prove. The state of Texas couldn’t really sweep us in just two weeks, could they? Thanks to a timely Mark Brunell and a great game on the ground, Washington comes home winners after a 31-15 win at Reliant Stadium.
Wow! Thank god, that the preseason is six games long and not the unpopular four games long. I know…I know, what you are saying, “What is this guy talking about? The preseason leads to injuries to our star players.” Yeah, you’re right. It does lead to injuries. I haven’t forgotten that we lost Jon Jansen last year for the entire season in a preseason game or that we even almost lost Clinton Portis this year on our very first drive of preseason. What I am saying is that those six games don’t count. We used those games to get into an offensive rhythm and to find our identity. It appears that we have found both.
For once Brunell actually looked like the quarterback we have waited for. Don’t give me that crap that it was against the Houston Texans, many of you reading this probably couldn’t complete 22 passes in a row in your back yard. Never mind the fact that your wideouts don’t go by the names of Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El or even Santana Moss, but instead go by “Junior” and some snot nose kid from the neighborhood that thinks “Tweeder” still has a chance to go pro.
But back to what I was getting at before all the nonsense of you “thought you knew everything, so-called football experts,” got in my way. So back to why it’s great that the preseason is six games long. Brunell was impressive from every standpoint. After completing his first 22 passes and breaking Rich Gannon’s record for most consecutive completions, Brunell wasn’t done adding to his numbers finishing 24-of-27 passing, 261 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The most impressive part was that he hooked up with eight different receivers and all but one had more than one reception. With these numbers I am sure that Brunell has found his real identity and that this year Dick Stockton will not mistakenly call him Scott Brunell as he did so often last year.
And speaking of finding our identity, Clinton Portis will not be sporting the “Touchdown-less Tyrone” outfit come this bye week. Portis broke into the game with a 74-yard run on a nifty shovel pass that led to the Skins first score. Portis however wouldn’t get his first touchdown on that drive as he reverted to the sideline for much needed rest. Portis finished the day with 16 carries and 86 yards and two touchdowns. After the game Coach Gibbs had a few things to say about Portis’ play, “It was good getting Clinton back in there. I think he feels good. I don’t see any major aspects of his shoulder. He certainly ran hard for us and made good plays for us.” Although, I must say that I am a little shocked he didn’t mention the fact that we are now 1-0.
Back-up runningback Ladell Betts came in to replace Portis and found himself running wild in the Texans secondary. Betts had another fine performance rushing for 124 yards on 16 carries and finished that 5 play 91 yard drive that was keyed by the Portis run, to score his lone touchdown on a 9-yard run.
On defense, thank god it was only week one. This is a squad that was predicted to carry this Washington team and well while they did keep Houston to just 60 yards on the ground, the pass rush just isn’t there. Even at times the secondary is looking for everyone else around them to make plays, with the exception of Sean Taylor.
We come home to face a tough Jacksonville team before we travel to New York to play Eli and the Greaseballs, but hey 3-0 is definitely not out of the question.
And who is this little kid that keeps pulling on my shirt arm while I am typing? He keeps telling me that Washington is not 1-0 and this was the third week of the NFL regular season. Heh! Yeah, believe what you want kid. I’m the football expert here; I think I know what I am talking about! Hail To The Redskins, Hail Victory!
Craig Johnson may be reached @ craigrealgm@yahoo.com |
