| Craig Johnson. 23rd September, 2005 - 1:49 pm
 After Monday night’s win versus Dallas I bet many thought that it would take me a little longer then this to announce what I am here to announce today. Well the beer tree didn’t actually appear in my yard on Tuesday morning, but that doesn’t exactly mean that I have given up on it yet. My Wife is constantly spewing out the words that if I leave the hose on one more time overnight, then I will be praying for more then just a beer tree. But the thing is that she just doesn’t understand that if Washington can overcome the heat in Dallas and 13 points to win in a thriller, then we cannot rule out anything.
This is the first time in five years that my sign that states “Home of a Redskins fan,” has not been terrorized by the neighborhood kids. For once I won’t be spending countless hours trying to scrub the words “You Suck” off of it. Some people may be saying that I am over-reacting to this victory. I say that in just these two weeks of this season I feel more alive than I have since the days of Art Monk, John Riggins and Joe Theisman. Now I can tell you why being 2-and-0 entering the third week of the NFL season is so important.
The Bye Week: Yes, we all know at one point we have said that this sucks, but this year it really doesn’t. After such an emotional win this may be the beer tree in disguise. Mark Brunell will get a whole entire week to find a rapport with these wide receivers. This admission does not mean that I am changing my feeling of Brunell being the favor over Patrick Ramsey, but even after Monday Santana Moss might have a favorite.
The Offense: Not overwhelmingly explosive, yet the future looks bright. Still struggling to put up the points that Gibbs teams of the past displayed but one point more then the opposition is enough to feel secure. I must add that Moss may have a future in calling plays. Running back Clinton Portis has been pretty decent even though many may say that he is not getting the job done. Those doubters must understand that in a Gibbs offense two-and-three yard gains are substantial in the ability to get the ball downfield. A feeling that wide out David Patten and Brunell must get together this off week is imperative. After Monday the timing is not there and Patten will be vital to the offense clicking. The bright spot is definitely the O-Line. I know Brunell was sacked five times in Dallas but half of those are blamed on Brunell and the other half was the heat. When it mattered most they gave Brunell the time to get the ball deep.
The Penalties: Teams that Gibbs has won with in the past have always been disciplined. In the years of the three Super bowl victories Washington ranked first in least penalized yards. Most calls have been silly mistakes but in Dallas on what would have been a first down reception by Keyshawn Johnson late in the game, Washington was saved by a holding call on the Cowboys. If you think that Gibbs is unaware of this, think again.
The Defense: Pretty much what was expected of them. Solid all around, although, LaVar Arrington has yet to crack the starting lineup his time will come. Arrington must be comfortable with this decision after complaining about being rushed back last year. Just one thing he must get comfortable with and that is his prestige that makes Skins fan want to see their star on the field. Sean Taylor will get beat here and there and that’s okay since we want to see an aggressive safety. Cornerbacks Shawn Spring, Walt Harris and Carlos Rogers are all that they are advertised to be. Renaldo Wynn, your patience is going to pay off this year. Honolulu bound in January- send a post card please.
Special Teams: We all love John Hall but boy was I happy to see former Maryland Terrapin Nick Novack kicking for us now. He is just as clutch as Hall and the last Terrapin to kick for us was Jess Atkinson. Enough said.
Well it’s week three and Washington is riding high on being at the top of the NFC East Division. I can hear the record playing now “Ain’t nothing gonna’ break my stride. Ain’t nothing gonna’ slow me down. Oh no, I’ve got to keep on moving.” A theme song of the 1983 Washington Redskins that all of a sudden finds me singing just so slightly loud enough that I can’t even hear my Wife complaining. Ahh…The sweetest sound of success. This is the year. I just know it!!!
Craig Johnson may be reached at: myterps34@yahoo.com |
