The Redskin Report

Some thoughts as the Redskins prepare for the biggest game of the year against a team that would just rather go home and rest for the playoffs:

• There have been a lot of comparisons between this team and the 2005 Redskins who won five straight to make the playoffs. One main difference is the QB play on this year’s team appears to be getting better while in ’05 the passing game went in the tank to close the year. Mark Brunell got hurt in a late season game against the Giants and was complete garbage after that but the coaching staff had no faith in Patrick Ramsey, so we were all stuck watching Brunell throw for less than 100 yards and win in spite of him. This is a big reason why getting Jason Campbell back healthy is important. Obviously he shouldn’t regain the starter’s role this year, but if something were to happen to Collins the coaching staff needs to have someone on the bench they have confidence in and who’s played this year.
• The team and coaching staff seems to be much more focused on this week’s game than the fans which is definitely a good sign. The team seems to understand the road ahead while a lot of fans are looking ahead to Seattle.
• If I were a betting man, I’d guess Dallas sits most of their players. The Redskins are rolling and I don’t think Dallas wants to risk losing confidence by getting beat with their guys before the playoffs. Another thing to think about is that if the Redskins were to win their round one playoff game, they’d play Dallas in round two. I don’t think Dallas is going to want to give anything away two weeks before a potential playoff showdown.
• With the way Todd Collins is playing, you have to wonder if a team will give him a shot to start next year when he hits the free agent market. Teams like Minnesota and Chicago are talking about going after Donovan McNabb, but Collins would be a much cheaper short term alternative.
• Anthony Mix was an underrated pick-up. This guy is a menace on special teams. His work on kick-off coverage should keep him on the roster while the team can work with him on his receiving skills as he does have the size that the rest of the receivers lack.
• The Redskins depth was the Achilles heel of last year’s team but its been the complete saving grace this year. Very few teams have been hit with more injuries than the Redskins this year, but guys like Kedric Golston, Randall Godfrey, Reed Doughty and Stephon Heyer just keep turning up and doing a great job. Heyer is turning into a heck of a story, and has to give the front office confidence for next year as who knows how well Jon Jansen will come back from that gruesome ankle injury.
• For all fans going to the game this Sunday – be loud and proud. This will your last chance to see the team in action this year. The ’07 Redskins have proven to be one heck of resilient team and they deserve our appreciation.

One more win and then the fun begins.