Review: Skins vs. Steelers (Live)

[TheMalcolmConnection]

First off, I'll start by saying it was pretty cool to meet Daseal face-to-face. Both of us got to the game late, traffic on 495 was absolute hell.

Secondly, before I get into how GREAT this game was for this team, I'll say it was honestly a 50-50 mix of Skins fans and Steelers fans.

I nearly wanted to puke. I was SURROUNED in the upper level by obnoxious Steelers fans who "shockingly" didn't seem to hang around the second half.

Now for the good stuff:

- The o-line had another dominating performance completely blowing "last year's #1 defense" right off the ball. Portis basically raped the Steelers d-line. The stretch plays worked beautifully.

- Speaking of dominating, let's remember the score would only be 17-3 if the interception Ramsey threw wasn't included.

- Moss has ALMOST as many moves on the football field as I DO on the dance floor (and that's a LOT).

- Possession receiver? His name is David Patten. The guy could be counted on any time a first down was needed.

- Aside from that INT (DEFINITELY a miscommunication) Ramsey played brilliantly and led the offense like a QB should. He showed command and intelligence in the pocket.

- Same with Brunell. I'm actually liking the idea of having him as a backup.

- Keep Rock AND Nemo.

- It was great to see LaVar back.

[BigSKINBauer]

Glad to see it looked as good live as it did on TV. Steeler fans are embarrassed right now. I am glad this game was on national TV instead of the other games.
What looked good

Ramsey
O-line
Clinton
Rock
Nemo
Betts
Moss
Patten
LAVAR!!!
Our entire D- 23.5 for poor little old ben

I actually got a compliment for the first time by my steeler friend. he said that there are only a few teams he knows that can beat us. He himself concluded that we could win 12-13 games. I would be happy with 10 but really what is wrong with the team. Besides Ramsey What is wrong with the team. I see nothing. Portis ran 6 yards per carry and that is against the Steeler D. Ramsey threw for over 150 in a half. Our receivers expecially Moss did great. We got in at goalline with cooley. Why can't we be the steelers of last year from 6-10 to greatness?

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Yup, I was ecstatic too with the exception of the number of Steelers' fans in attendance. I was seriously pissed. I felt like I was watching a game in Pittsburgh. I've seen a number of Skins games and have never felt so uncomfortable watching a game in my home stadium.

The GOOD news is that some drunken Steeler fans had the gall to say some shit to me and I could happily reply, "Scoreboard."

[BigSKINBauer]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Yup, I was ecstatic too with the exception of the number of Steelers' fans in attendance. I was seriously pissed. I felt like I was watching a game in Pittsburgh. I've seen a number of Skins games and have never felt so uncomfortable watching a game in my home stadium.

The GOOD news is that some drunken Steeler fans had the gall to say some shit to me and I could happily reply, "Scoreboard."

Ha, that must be a good feeling. was it seriously 50%, wow. it looked like maybe 30 on TV. But it is more fun to beat someone when you can see them getting beat. I haven't been able to sleep since watching, i live on the stay awake till i drop schedule right now but when i do sleep i will dream happily. I am sure many in Redskin's Country are sleeping well tonight

[Daseal]

I was wrong. I didn't like the Patten signing but he's been playing some great football all offseason. I really think that we saw something, but need to keep preseason in perspective.

It was great to meet Malcolm, I had a blast at the game even though I missed Portis! The defense just locked em' up! Im feeling good about opening day, and MONDAY NIGHT VS DALLAS!

[Gmanc711]

Glad you guys had some fun.

Last night really is getting me exicted for the season. Like someone else said, outside of Ramsey, who is improving with each game, (and some stupid penalties), we look damn good. Portis impressed the hell out of me to the point that I hope he dosent even play next week.

You know what they say,too, the game is won in the trenches. If thats the case, we are going to win alot of games this year, because our oline looks freaking dominating. Just dominating.

Here's to beating Chicago and Dallas within the next 3 weeks!

[BrudLee]

I know Ramsey got in Thrash's face after the INT, but even if Thrash is supposed to be exactly where that ball was thrown, that was an idiotic hot-read for a blitz there, and Ramsey threw a duck. That being said...

Patrick Ramsey should have redeemed himself to most of the doubters last night. He was poised after the pick, and went through a great gut check on not only the fourth down QB keeper, but the touchdown immediately following it. We had 5:01 on the clock and ran a 4 1/2 minute drive. That's everything we didn't do last year.

The defense was stellar. They held Pittsburgh to a field goal, and looked good doing so.

Bottom line is our team looked better than theirs did, in every category. I haven't said that in a few years, so I'm going to savor it.

[skinsguy]

I think Ramsey didn't do anything to hurt his chances at keeping the starting position last night. Aside from the INT, I thought his performance improved from last week; just like his performance last week improved from the previous week. Speaking of that INT, I do blame Ramsey partly for it, but I think Thrash had some blame placed on him as well. Still, Ramsey probably should have eaten the ball on that play.

Anyways, I am soooooooooooo excited about our receivers AND our running backs! Clinton Portis is going to have an awesome year as long as our offensive linemen hold up. I think Betts is going to have an awesome year as well. There is no way we need to be getting rid of Rock Cartwright - I think he has had a great preseason and has not hurt his chances one bit in making this team. Our offensive linemen are looking more like the "hogs" each time they set foot on the field. You guys have to give Joe Bugel a great deal of credit - he has really turned the OL around big time so far.

Defense continues to impress me, although I would like to see more of a pass rush with the DL - it was awesome to see Arrington back on the field! He was all over the place and watching him play last night gives me ALOT of hope!

Like Daseal said, it is preseason so let's keep things in perspective. I don't want to talk about the Redskins winning the division until I see them play well in the regular season and beat some good teams - not to mention beating the feakin' Cowboys and Eagles! But, a win, albeit in preseason, against a good team like the Steelers will give this team alot of confidence going into their last preseason game. Overall, I am very excited about our season!

[MTK]

I haven't watched the first half yet, but I recorded it on my DVR so I'll check it out tonight.

Going by what I've read, I'm very encouraged by alot of things that happened last night.

The running game, especially with Portis in there was cranking against a very good Steelers D. That's something to take note of. If that was a sign of things to come, Portis could be in for a monster season.

I've seen the replays of Ramsey's pick, and I heard Aikman say that he thought Thrash ran the wrong route. Either way the play looked ugly, but what I liked and what I've liked all preseason from Ramsey is this. He's had his share of ugly plays, but he always seems to bounce right back. He doesn't lose his composure and fall apart, he keeps his head in the game and usually comes right back with a scoring drive after throwing an INT.

Gotta love Ramsey to Cooley, and the way Cooley went up for the ball and just snatched it away. Cooley could easily snag 10 TDs this year. I have no doubt he's going to be the go to guy in the redzone, and that should open things up for other guys as well.

Of course you've got to love the D, and I really loved seeing LaVar back in there making some plays.

Overall I really think this offense is on the right track. The offensive line play seems to be really, really improved over last year, and the emphasis on stretching the field is there.

Last night was a huge win for the Skins. Preseason or not, they really needed this type of game to hang their hat on as they gear up for September 11 against Chicago. They went toe to toe with one of the best defenses in the NFL, and with the way things were going last night I honestly believe we would have beat them if the starters on both sides played the entire game.

[dblanch66]

Lavar didn't look like he's lost a step. Once again, he was EVERYWHERE when he was on the field. Very encouraging sign. He looked like he was having fun! He and MW are going to be some monster bookend backers.

[That Guy]

i think nemo didn't play as well this game... he's not seeing THAT much time and it looks like there might be a fumbling problem... portis and betts, oline looked good, ramsey looked better, andd it was nice to see us run our REAL offense and not practice drills this game... I'd like to keep rock, he missed a pass but he's looked good... moss showed up, lavar looked solid enough and PP looked good on teams and D.

the steelers O however, looked terrible. and SC was right, that safety they've got is F'ing great.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

The Best:

5. The defense looked great (as usual)
4. The running game was very, very solid against a great defense
3. The O-line protected the passers and blocked well for the tailbacks
2. The quarterbacks looked great
1. The offensive game-plan was excellent.

The Worst:

5. The lack of a pass-rush
4. Ramsey's underthrown balls (God, that sounds dirty)
3. The ugly turnover
2. The dumb penalties
1. The game doesn't count towards our regular season record

[MTK]

Originally Posted by That Guy

the steelers O however, looked terrible. and SC was right, that safety they've got is F'ing great.

Dude just needs a serious haircut though.

Makes you wonder when the NFL will start cracking down on that, probably only a matter of time.

[mheisig]

I've been reading this forum for a while, but now I'm so excited about the upcoming season I just have to post.

I think a real testament to how well the O-line is doing is that last night we had a total of 159 rushing yards spread across FOUR RBs, averaging 4.2 YPC. I think that means we not only have 4 very good RBs (and an excellent one in Portis), but that O-line is opening some serious holes to offer that yardage to that variety of runners.

And how can you forget that beauty of a pass to Moss from Ramsey? Ramsey looked so comfortable when that pocket was just solid, had all the time in the world.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by mheisig

I've been reading this forum for a while, but now I'm so excited about the upcoming season I just have to post.

I think a real testament to how well the O-line is doing is that last night we had a total of 159 rushing yards spread across FOUR RBs, averaging 4.2 YPC. I think that means we not only have 4 very good RBs (and an excellent one in Portis), but that O-line is opening some serious holes to offer that yardage to that variety of runners.

And how can you forget that beauty of a pass to Moss from Ramsey? Ramsey looked so comfortable when that pocket was just solid, had all the time in the world.

Welcome mheisig! By the way, what does the screenname mean?