Monday, November 28th, 2005...6:00 am by Lee Gibbons
Another Punch to the Gut
Once again this week the Washington Redskins snatched defeat from the hand of victory. Between blowing a 10 point fourth quarter lead and a dopey late holding penalty that knocked them out of field goal range, the Redskins appear to be allergic to success. Sunday’s 23-17 loss to San Diego all but seals the Redskins fate as a playoff outsider for the 5th straight year.
The most painful point of the game came in the final minute of the 4th quarter. After a huge Shawn Springs interception and a six-yard Clinton Portis run, the Redskins were within John Hall’s range. But a costly holding penalty by Casey Rabach knocked the offense 10 yards back. Hall’s 53 yard attempt was short and the Redskins never saw the ball again.
Rabach’s penalty was just stupid. There was no reason to hold on the play. Even if Portis gains nothing on the next 2 downs the Skins were still within field goal range. It was another brain cramp for a team that’s been full of them in this slide.
As for other goats, you have to consider Joe Gibbs’ playing calling. He just seems to lack the killer instinct. The Redskins go into a shell with a lead. A touchdown or even a field goal after the Rock Cartwright touchdown would have ended the game. I’m all for running out the clock when the time calls for it, but you also have to take a few shots down the field. Let’s not forget Robert Royal, who decided to drop every ball thrown his way. Just an ugly performance by a guy who’s hasn’t earned the right to make so many mistakes.
On the plus side give credit to Marcus Washington. He had 2 sacks, made a big tip on the Springs pick and was all over the field. Rookie Carlos Rogers had his 1st career interception and played his best game to date. Taylor Jacobs gave the Redskins their best performance by a 2nd receiver this year. Mark Brunell was consistent and effective if not overwhelming.
The Redskins loss puts them at 5-6. They need to win five straight to give themselves any playoff hopes. The next two games are on the road against St. Louis and Arizona; two games the Redskins should be favored in. They close with three straight against divisional foes. Let’s just say the 2005 season has been put into a coffin, and with one more loss you can start shoveling the dirt.
The Redskins played a good game; there isn’t much to pick at. They finally won the turnover battle. They stuck with the run in the 2nd half. The Chargers are a very good team, and the Redskins were right there at the end and should have won it. It’s an all too familiar refrain for Redskin fans, who at this point expect these kinds of losses. After getting punched in the stomach year after year, this Redskin fan is almost numb to the pain.
On the Web:
Click HERE for the latest posting on this site: You were Right all Along. Looking at fan reaction to these losses.
AP- Tomlinson Buries Redskins in OT
Washington Post Articles
For Redskins, Offense Goes From Bad to Worse - Gotta feel for Robert Royal, at least he cares
Tony Kornheiser- You Know This Horror Flick: ‘Sometimes They Come Back’
With Tomlinson, You Always Know it Coming
Rogers Steps Up at Corner
Three and Likely Out
Wilbon- For the Offense, Last Season All Over Again
Boswell- Redskins Haunted by Ghosts of Coaches Past
Washington Times Articles
Almost Out of It
Ailing Griffin make Surprise Return
No One to Blame except Everyone
No Stopping Tomlinson
4 Comments
November 27th, 2005 at 11:29 pm
You cannot lay this one entirely on the Greg Williams defense. In the critical 4th quarter, the Redskins offense laid three, 3-and-out series, using up an average of about 78 seconds. After the last 3&out series, the defense answered the call again in the 4th quarter, with the Springs interception, setting up the offense deep in SD territory for the winning field goal. What does the offense do? On 2and4 on the 25, Rabach gets a holding call, ON A RUNNING PLAY, that pushes the potential winning kick to the limit of Hall’s range. The defense played well enough to win, at some point they get tired after the lack of offense. The Gibbs offense and punter played to lose.
November 28th, 2005 at 2:43 am
I would like to politely disagree. Not to sound simplistic, the whole season has been one big boneheaded mistake by the entire organization. The quarterback shuffle. Benching LaVar. Gibbs’ playcalling. It goes on and on.
I’m still rooting for the Skins. But one more loss and I’ll then jump on the Cowboys bandwagon. If it cant be us, then it at least gotta be a NFC East rep.
Go Skins! If not, then go Boys!
November 28th, 2005 at 1:53 pm
Exuse me, did he just say root for the Cowboys?
Now I know it is getting bad.
November 26th, 2007 at 11:29 am
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