What we learned yesterday

[MTK]

-Looks like Gibbs can be successful in the modern era after all, granted it's only one game but the fundamentals of running the ball, controlling the clock and not turning it over are winning elements that will never go out of style.

-Portis definitely is NOT a product of Denver's system. Denver does have a very productive system and with that OL they can basically plug in anyone and have a quality ground game, but Portis is definitely a talent all on his own. Those that doubted that he had the patience and vision to succeed in Gibbs' offense were proved wrong on his first carry, gotta love it!

-Enough can't be said of Williams and the tremendous job the defense did yesterday. Williams leads a very aggressive attack, but at the same time he doesn't jeopardize giving up big plays when he attacks, the coverage behind the blitzes are just as creative and well executed. It was obvious the players love playing in this system, guys were flying around and gang tackling like I haven't see here in a long time.

-How about tipping our hats to Boss Hog, Joe Bugel. He's taken a unit that was in shambles last year and had no confidence and done a complete 180 with them. Add in the fact we're missing arguably our best lineman and it makes yesterday even more impressive. If you have the game on tape watch it again and just concentrate on the offensive line. It's amazing how aggressive they are and how guys keep fighting right to the whistle. Of course it's worth mentioning what a great job the TE's and h-backs also did, they're an extension of the line and should be honorary dirtbags. Sellers had a few crunching blocks and Rasby was also great in pulling and leading the counters.

-The team is far from perfect, there's definitely some things that need some fine tuning like the center-QB exchange, special teams coverages and the passing game isn't up to speed just yet. But one thing's for sure, what we saw yesterday isn't a fluke. We can count on this team being very well prepared week in and week out, they're going to show up to play physical, smashmouth football and they're not going to beat themselves.

Hail to the Skins and Hail to Gibbs and this staff for doing an outstanding job putting this team together and getting them ready to play.