3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

Ok, we're 3-1! 3-1 is alot better than what we were last year at this time. Plus, our offense is slowly getting better. I thought we played fairly well against a tough Denver team - but we gotta stop comitting stupid penalities...even the phantom penalties as well! We also gotta start relying on our big plays and not big calls by the refs (dumb tuck rule!)

Despite two big runs by Tatum Bell on us (which has me concerned,) we still gave ourselves an opportunity to win or at least tie the ball game. I think by the end of the next two weeks, we have a great shot at 5-1! I can live with that!

How many undefeated teams are left now?

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

2 undefeated teams now I believe. Indy and Cinci unless I'm missing someone.

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As soon as I posted this, I remembered Indy, but couldn't think of Cincy! I'm not surprised with Indy, but I am surprised with Cincy!

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Skins and Tampa were the only two unbeaten NFC teams and they both lose by 2 today.

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I'm extremely disappointed with the loss, but I am still as proud of my redskins as I've been in years. I know a loss is a loss and you cant polish a turd, but how many NFC teams are gonna go to denver and rush for over 100 and have over 440 yards total offense in a game in the freezing rain?

I think we're gonna be good this year. We just have to put a few points on the board when we drive down the field. (the kicker situation is killing us a bit) That and start causing some turnovers in our favor and we have one of the best teams in the NFL.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

yeah as soon as we can start forcing turnovers were gonna be even better. brunell has really stepped his game up. wideout's running nice crisp routes. i'm sure we did a lot better than what any media person thought we would. but i still don't want them jumping on this wagon. all we need is to put the points up a little more. anyone know what the deal with john hall is? is he gonna be back soon>

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

I know I said this last year and got yelled at by a few, but this year, most of us have to agree that we are so close to being a very, very, good team. Despite the safety call, those two big runs, and the shot in the foot penalities we committed, we still gave ourselves an opportunity in this ballgame! I'm proud of our guys today.

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I'm so happy with the improvement in our offensive plays, the way Gibbs/Brunell opened up the passing game.......we just need a TD when we get down in the red zone.... I see progress.

We just need to get healthy on defense......we missed Springs.....

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

I'm very dissapointed with this loss. This season has erriley reminded me of 2003, but we have to keep it up.

We have another tough game coming up against Kansas City, which I think is going to be much like this game today, we just have to come out on the winning end. Worse case scenerio we HAVE to be 4-2 going into the division games against New York and Philadelphia, and we must take one of those too.

As a whole, I'm happy wiht where we are so far in the season, but for today I'm very dissapointed.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

i think something has to be done with nick novak, ok. it seems like on 30 yard kicks, he kicks too low, and he's giving other teams chances to block it. if we had gotten that field goal right before the first half ended, we would've been on top at the end. but that blocked kick hurt us, and so did the penalty on the kick right before halftime. i think we should cut him, because there will be other times when we have to rely on him, and he won't be able to do it. either that, or send his ass back to kicking school, because him kicking low on those 30 yard field goals is really hurting us.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

We relied on Novak last week and he kicked the game winner. I don't believe Novak should be blamed for this game at all. There were many factors - us getting too many penalities, the obvious bad reversal on the safety, and the two big runs by Bell. I believe he made the field goal at the end of the first half where we were called for a false start. It does suck that he's got two field goals blocked, but he is a rookie.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

I know this might sound weird but this is probably the best I've felt after a loss in years.

The offense is really coming together, Brunell is really getting a nice rapport going with everyone, Moss, Cooley, Patten, etc. Portis quietly had over 100 yards today, and we moved the ball pretty well.

If we could have just bottled up Bell on one of those runs, we walk out of Denver with a 'W'.

Two defensive breakdowns is what hurt us, but considering we had a few key guys out I really don't think we can complain about the D too much.

I really think this team has playoff potential, and even though we lost, I still feel like we accomplished something today. To go to Denver in the elements and take them down to the wire like that, it's something we shouldn't downplay.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I know this might sound weird but this is probably the best I've felt after a loss in years.

The offense is really coming together, Brunell is really getting a nice rapport going with everyone, Moss, Cooley, Patten, etc. Portis quietly had over 100 yards today, and we moved the ball pretty well.

If we could have just bottled up Bell on one of those runs, we walk out of Denver with a 'W'.

Two defensive breakdowns is what hurt us, but considering we had a few key guys out I really don't think we can complain about the D too much.

I really think this team has playoff potential, and even though we lost, I still feel like we accomplished something today. To go to Denver in the elements and take them down to the wire like that, it's something we shouldn't downplay.[/QUOTE]

I feel the same way. This is the best i've seen both sides of the ball play in a while. I just dont like having to go into Kansas City next week; I'd rather play San Fransisco next week instead of it two. Actually, check that. I'd rather play San Fransisco every week fo the year.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

I'm feeling really good about the offense, but I'm actually worried a bit about our defense. I'm more worried about injuries in our secondary. Losing Springs was big for us!

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

We gave up 257 total yards to the Broncos, not great but certainly not a defensive meltdown to get our panties in a bunch over.

Bell made two outstanding runs, let's give the guy a little credit he's a very dangerous back and unfortunately he got us today. That was the first back in 8 games to go over 100 against us.

So before we start biting our nails and questioning if Gregg Williams knows what he's doing, take a deep breath and relax. The D isn't broke.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy]I'm feeling really good about the offense, but I'm actually worried a bit about our defense. I'm more worried about injuries in our secondary. Losing Springs was big for us![/QUOTE]

Anyone know the extent of his injury? The offense is moving well. The drive that ended with Sellers' TD was a thing of beauty-13 plays (7 pass, 6 run), 72 yards, including two huge gains-one a TD-called back due to questionable penalties. That drive was a great mix of Gibbs' use of motion with Musgrave's West Coast offense.

However, there were at least a couple of third and shorts where I feel they got too cute. Just give it to Betts, or even Rock, between the tackles and drive the defensive line back.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]We gave up 257 total yards to the Broncos, not great but certainly not a defensive meltdown to get our panties in a bunch over.

Bell made two outstanding runs, let's give the guy a little credit he's a very dangerous back and unfortunately he got us today. That was the first back in 8 games to go over 100 against us.

So before we start biting our nails and questioning if Gregg Williams knows what he's doing, take a deep breath and relax. The D isn't broke.[/QUOTE]

I do give Bell alot of credit, but on that second TD run, we had a few missed tackles. It just wasn't something any of us are used to seeing with our defense.

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I've been really looking for somthing on Springs, but I assume we wont know until tommarow. All I know is we need him or Walt Harris playing next week against Kansas City.

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really. passing on close third downs when we could easily run it isn't the smartest thing to do sometimes. I think the injury springs had wasn't one that was gonna keep him out for weeks, I think he's on the injury report as probable.

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I am optimistic....I think our offense is starting to click, I like the way Gibbs is throwing the long ball, we just need to get healthy on the D side.....and get some decent refs......

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Well, getting the D healthy will be more realistic! LOL!!!

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I know this might sound weird but this is probably the best I've felt after a loss in years.

The offense is really coming together, Brunell is really getting a nice rapport going with everyone, Moss, Cooley, Patten, etc. Portis quietly had over 100 yards today, and we moved the ball pretty well.

If we could have just bottled up Bell on one of those runs, we walk out of Denver with a 'W'.

Two defensive breakdowns is what hurt us, but considering we had a few key guys out I really don't think we can complain about the D too much.

I really think this team has playoff potential, and even though we lost, I still feel like we accomplished something today. To go to Denver in the elements and take them down to the wire like that, it's something we shouldn't downplay.[/QUOTE]

My sentiments exactly. If a team like this can dominate in time possesion and offensive yards and lose and nail biter like this leaves me with optimism after a loss. A loss was bound to happen, and against a team that had won 3 in a row and at home? I mean Denver couldn't move the ball and I knew that Jimoh and Rodgers in the backfield would cause problems. I give our offense an A- and the defense a C+. Lavar needs to get his shit together because he is not helping things at all.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy]Well, getting the D healthy will be more realistic! LOL!!![/QUOTE]

Man, I knew Springs was injured when Jimoh was burned by Lelie. I hope Walt Harris and Sean Springs get healthy real quick because teams are going to challenge these weak links.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

That was a tough loss...because we beat ourselves. The Redskins beat themselves, Denver did not beat us. The players need to pay attention to the coaching staff, because this team could be a really good team if they eliminate the mistakes. I am impressed by how hard the team fought, this loss will hopefull galvanize the team, and make them stronger, as a fan it sucks, because we know from watching the game we were the better team.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]We gave up 257 total yards to the Broncos, not great but certainly not a defensive meltdown to get our panties in a bunch over.

Bell made two outstanding runs, let's give the guy a little credit he's a very dangerous back and unfortunately he got us today. That was the first back in 8 games to go over 100 against us.

So before we start biting our nails and questioning if Gregg Williams knows what he's doing, take a deep breath and relax. The D isn't broke.[/QUOTE]

Mattyk72 agree with your analysis. My only concern with the D though is that the team is not getting enough of a pash rush. Plummer especially can get rattled if you hit him or sack him. At some point I think GW needs give LaVar a shot, call me misguided, call me Joe-the-Fan, but I cannot help but think that LaVar's athletiscism could make at least one game breaking play on the D if given the chance.

At this point since the D had enough breakdowns as a unit, it worth giving LaVar a chance. In my own opinion I think that LaVar has been humbled and has learned from what has happened to him, I know there have been rumors that he 'free-lances' and does not play within the system. But at the same time I remember #56 taking the ball the distance against Carolina and single handedly changing the Redskin's season. I know I am just a fan, and Joe Gibbs and Greg Williams have probably forgotten more about football then I will ever know, but in my own opinion I think it is worth seeing if he can make a contribution to this team.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

Personally I'm getting tired of hearing about LaVar.

If he's not part of the solution, he must be part of the problem.

I trust Williams and his decision, there's obviously things going on behind the scenes that we don't understand and we don't have all the facts.

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i agree with matty. this loss didn't feel so bad. we were close but it was a close game. the offense is getting better and better. we need to put up more pts but i feel that will happen. hey denver slammed KC so maybe we have a better shot at taking down the chiefs.

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[QUOTE=VTSkins897]i agree with matty. this loss didn't feel so bad. we were close but it was a close game. the offense is getting better and better. we need to put up more pts but i feel that will happen. hey denver slammed KC so maybe we have a better shot at taking down the chiefs.[/QUOTE]

I agree....we're progressively getting better. But our offense is gonna need to start putting up more points, but I have a feeling that it's gonna come in time.

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Personally I'm getting tired of hearing about LaVar.

If he's not part of the solution, he must be part of the problem.

I trust Williams and his decision, there's obviously things going on behind the scenes that we don't understand and we don't have all the facts.[/QUOTE]

Matty, you have to admit we're slowly losing our aggression on the blitz. I don't see the rotation of LB's like last year and it's starting to wear our defense down. The reason for not blitzing of course is because you have to have excellent CB's on coverage and Williams didn't want to take a chance with Jimoh and Rodgers. Lavar is looking like a complete idiot at this point. He doesn't want to play within the package he has in front of him which could hurt us in the long run.

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[QUOTE=mooby]i think something has to be done with nick novak, ok. it seems like on 30 yard kicks, he kicks too low, and he's giving other teams chances to block it. if we had gotten that field goal right before the first half ended, we would've been on top at the end. but that blocked kick hurt us, and so did the penalty on the kick right before halftime. i think we should cut him, because there will be other times when we have to rely on him, and he won't be able to do it. either that, or send his ass back to kicking school, because him kicking low on those 30 yard field goals is really hurting us.[/QUOTE]

Yeah something does have to be done. Don't put him in a position to win the game for us week in and week out. I'm very dissappointed with Portis. I mean he had a delayed reaction after he missed the handoff. This is what he did against the Giants and the Browns and we lost. Turnovers will kill us every time.

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did we stop the run today
I think that was one area that contributed to the loss
aside from the penalties

Re: 3-1 Ain't So Bad......
 

[QUOTE=bertoskins]did we stop the run today
I think that was one area that contributed to the loss
aside from the penalties[/QUOTE]

Bell had about 12 carries for 118yds. The first RB in 8 games to run for over 100yds. Those two big plays by Bell did us in. The absence of Springs and Harris was felt today. And there was a lot of mistackles.

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Anyways, it looks like Cincy is going to drop their game as well...so now there will be only ONE undefeated team. Now I definitely don't feel bad.

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I feel as good as one can after a loss, I suppose. The O is improving every game--and I agree TAFKAS, that drive was kick-ass. That drive said, we are in this game, we can play ball. Moved the chains, overcame some tough penalties (would have killed the drive last year), and got the TD.

The D is more of an issue, though I trust Williams and Co to get a handle on things. Really, they played very well, against one of, if not the, best run teams in the NFL. BUt the big plays hurt--that's just not acceptable on this D. Missed tackles will kill ya--on the second long run, they knew where the play was going, and got beat. Also, we've got to put up some more points--19 ain't enough. We could really use some TOs!!! That helps get you some cheap points, and we just haven't had it.

I also feel better--though it really doesn't make that much difference--that all the other undefeateds, except Indy, lost.

But I am anxious to see how we react going into another tough joint next week. HOw will we bounce back? THat's a big deal for a team.

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The D has been able to stay on the bench much longer this year, but they're not as good as last year. we saw a huge run last week, and two more this week, all of which were preventable by good tackling or better awareness. I realize we're sitting lavar and our #1 and #2 CBs were out all game, both of whom are good in run support and may have saved us 14 points...

I was surprised how good our offense was, too bad we couldn't get over the hump. Patten and cooley finalloy showed up big, so moss should have more open chances now.

Our coverage on kicks is good, our returns weren't bad, but the kicks are always way short compared to the other teams... Novak made a 54 yard FG that didn't count, but we also got another one blocked.

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It's almost as if Williams has adopted a 2004 Gibbsian philosophy of "play not to lose" on defense. Right now I'm not seeing the same agression I saw last year. And I have to believe that not having Smoot and his man-coverage ability has a lot to do with it. Maybe as Rogers gets more comfortable we can go back to an aggressive defense. I'm not saying the defense is playing poorly, but I don't see that all out pressure we saw so often last year.

And I can't help but wonder if I'm not feeling more frustrated about this loss because of the fact that we rallied at the end and came sooooo close. Had we never scored that last touchdown this may have actually been an easier loss to swallow.

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yeah matty, i went straight to bed, i was so pissed off we lot it after coming so close... the next day it doesn't seem nearly as bad, but still, we almost got it done.

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Actually we're still undefeated... in our Division! :) 1-0 baabyyyyy! :)

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[QUOTE=TAFKAS]It's almost as if Williams has adopted a 2004 Gibbsian philosophy of "play not to lose" on defense. Right now I'm not seeing the same agression I saw last year. And I have to believe that not having Smoot and his man-coverage ability has a lot to do with it. Maybe as Rogers gets more comfortable we can go back to an aggressive defense. I'm not saying the defense is playing poorly, but I don't see that all out pressure we saw so often last year.

And I can't help but wonder if I'm not feeling more frustrated about this loss because of the fact that we rallied at the end and came sooooo close. Had we never scored that last touchdown this may have actually been an easier loss to swallow.[/QUOTE]

Yeah Rodgers was out of position on several big plays. The one I recall was the play when Rod Smith ran an out route and Rodgers went for the fake and he slipped and Plummer overthrew the ball. Had that ball been thrown correctly it wouldv'e been 6 points. Rookie mistakes are not what we need right now.