New Defensive Philosophy Paying Off

[Cowell]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

I disagree that a team needs to lose all close games to be considered finding ways to lose. Washington is only .500 in close games this season, but I do agree that the sample is too small for a definitive answer. However the the two losses occured due to very similar circumstances, which could be leading to a trend.

And as far as the big plays going against Washington, that's basically my point. All Washington had to do yesterday was execute at a fair level on offense. By the end of the 3rd quarter, big plays weren't needed. I understand the need for moderate aggression, but attempting a misdirection sweep on 3rd and 1, and an end around on a sloppy field with a player that relies on speed and quick cuts was just asking for trouble.

It was 2nd and 4 or 5. Gibbs said the reason they ran it is because last time they did Santana broke it for a huge gain. That was all Santana's fault don't go after the coaches for that. The coaches were probably trying to just keep the defense on their toes and see if they can bust a big game without throwing the ball to receivers who couldn't catch it.