12th's Five Bright Spots

[12thMan]

Winning may not cure "everything", but it damn sure helps! Not only did the Redskins beat the Bears, but they beat the Bears. Yes, this was one of the few victories where we had solid play on both sides of the ball. Word has it that Randy Thomas gave a very inspired pre-game speech that fired up the entire locker room. And what can you say about Todd Collins coming off the bench? And how about Shawn Springs' inspired performance? Was Laron Landry watching some old Sean Taylor jacked up footage prior to the game - talk about nasty! Is there any other team that keeps fighting like our Redskins? Love 'em, hate 'em, or loath 'em, we're still alive…and I'm gonna have a pretty good weekend figuring out who's going to lose this Sunday. If...big if...the Redskins get into the playoffs, we won't be able to get enough of how the media will crown the Redskins as this year's darling team. There is something really odd about the way this season is stacking up that I just can't explain. I'll reserve the right to reserve judgment for now though. Let's get to the first bright spot before I go on a tangent.


1) Todd Collins: This was a no brainer. In a season where +37 year old quarterbacks are en vogue, Collins proved his worth to this team. As much as I love Jason Campbell and knowing he is the future of this franchise, there really is no substitute for veteran leadership. Kudos to Todd for one helluva performance and, more importantly, being prepared. That touchdown to Yoder was a thing of beauty. The one to Betts wasn't too shabby either. I think Collins may have very well earned himself a roster spot next year too.

2) The Secondary: I wanted to single out Springs, but then Smoot had a great game. I wanted to single out Smoot, but then Laron Landry had some dynamite hits and defended the pass very well. Reed Doughty was quiet, but he too was solid all night. All in all considering the shifting of bodies all night, the secondary probably had one of it's best games of the year. Was it me or was Shawn Springs moving in slow motion on that interception!

3) Clinton Portis: Statistically Portis didn't have a great game, but that screen pass for 54 yards set the tone for the offense the rest of the game. Portis kept the defense off balance for a good portion of the night with his receiving skills and again came up with a couple of monster blocks in pass protection. Said it before and I'll say it again, CP is all heart and all guts. They just don't make them like this guy anymore.

4) Special Teams: Danny Smith had the guys ready to defend Devin Hester and bottled him up pretty good. To me, that's the sign of a well prepared and well coached team. They don't let the guy that's supposed to beat them - beat them. They effectively took Hester away as a threat and forced the Bears to actually play some offense. On our side of the ball, you can't say enough about Rock Cartwright on returns. He has very quietly become one of the better kick return men in the league.

5) Captain Chaos: Chris Cooley is probably the best TE in the NFL after the catch. I have yet to see the first guy bring Cooley down after he get's his hands on the ball, and he's deceptively fast and quick. That being said, the Bears had no answer for Cooley all night. Cooley's effort last night definitely deserved a game ball.

[BrudLee]

Reed Doughty was quiet, but he too was solid all night.

When you're replacing a star, quiet can be good. The last thing you want to hear is the Doughty was out of position, or struggling. Doughty had 5 solo tackles and half a sack. That's plenty good for me.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

When you're replacing a star, quiet can be good. The last thing you want to hear is the Doughty was out of position, or struggling. Doughty had 5 solo tackles and half a sack. That's plenty good for me.

agreed, agreed.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Good call. I forgot to mention this elsewhere.

I thought Doughty played amazingly. Sure, he's no Taylor in coverage, but as far as holding it down in run support, he's playing great.

[GridIron26]

Well spoken 12th..

Speaking of Doughty, I noticed he's pretty good in run support..

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Good assesment 12th. I was there and I saw some impressive play out of the back end of the defense. All the way around. The guys back there showed up.

Also one note I have and maybe it's sort of a question as well. Does anybody else notice how physical Fred Smoot has played the last 2 games? Is it just me or has he stepped up his aggresiveness on the football field? I saw him come up and make a few really solid tackles. It seems to me that these guys are all trying to take on Sean's mentality of a physical game, but still excelling in there coverage skills. Just my take on things. HAIL!!

P.S. Landry will bring the wood.

[Cowell]

Originally Posted by artmonkforhallofamein07

Good assesment 12th. I was there and I saw some impressive play out of the back end of the defense. All the way around. The guys back there showed up.

Also one note I have and maybe it's sort of a question as well. Does anybody else notice how physical Fred Smoot has played the last 2 games? Is it just me or has he stepped up his aggresiveness on the football field? I saw him come up and make a few really solid tackles. It seems to me that these guys are all trying to take on Sean's mentality of a physical game, but still excelling in there coverage skills. Just my take on things. HAIL!!

P.S. Landry will bring the wood.

You aren't the only one. I have noticed how Smoot has been playing and I love it. He is playing with a lot of passion and emotion and it seems to really be helping him out.