ESPN Columnist (gasp) calls Skins NFC's top playoff team

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:24 pm

Now this is my kind of media piece and he even kind of admits that he was wrong when he ripped the Skins earlier this season though it's less than a full mea culpa.

Nonetheless, I will take it:

8. Of all the teams in the NFC, the Washington Redskins are the only team capable of winning the Super Bowl.

After being down on Joe Gibbs early in the season, I have to credit him for getting things together. If the Skins knock off the Eagles, they will enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the league -- hotter than the streaking Patriots, also winners of four straight.

Of course, we know the Redskins can play defense. What's been impressive is their offensive explosion the last two weeks -- 35 points in each victory, over the Cowboys and Giants.

The Skins have a good offensive line, three good running backs, a big-play receiver (Santana Moss), an effective tight end (Chris ey) and a QB who has thrown 22 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

7. OK, while I'm on the subject, let me rank the NFC Super Bowl hopefuls.

1. Redskins: Outstanding defense and just enough offense to beat any team in the league.

2. Bears: Absolutely love the move to Rex Grossman. If Muhsin Muhammad holds on to the football, the Bears might score enough points to sneak into the Bowl.

3. Seahawks: Just feel like Matt Hasselbeck is going to do a couple of stupid things in Seattle's playoff opener and it's going to be curtains.

4. Buccaneers: Wouldn't be surprised if they were routed in their first playoff game. Wouldn't be surprised if they advanced to the NFC championship.

5. Panthers: You can rip Carolina's defense, but the problem with the Panthers is their running game. Lack of a consistent ground attack has exposed Jake Delhomme.

6. Giants: Eli Manning's happy feet and 52 percent completion rate will cost the Giants early.

7. Cowboys: You gotta make the playoffs to advance to the Super Bowl.

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:26 pm

And you don't need to remind me that getting past the Eagles is the only thing that matters right now, I'm just basking in the glow of belated media lovin'

Skeletor · Post by **Skeletor** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:04 pm

Who wrote this? Is there a link?

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:07 pm

Skeletor wrote:Who wrote this? Is there a link?

Yeah, that information is probably useful :oops:

Jason Whitlock
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=whitlock/051229

Punu · Post by **Punu** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:09 pm

wow... I dont know what to say.

Mursilis · Post by **Mursilis** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:22 pm

Exciting stuff. I really think the 'skins are going to have a ton of momentum heading into the playoffs after the Philly win on Sunday. The offense has really started to click, and it doesn't even seem like the same team which had that 3-game skid in the middle of the season. The 'skins are obviously peaking at just the right time, and they could go far this year. I'd just love to see 30+ points scored in the Philly game - that would send a huge message to the rest of the NFC.

Justice Hog · Post by **Justice Hog** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:34 pm

Punu wrote:wow... I dont know what to say.

I know what to say.

If we don't beat the Eagles, it won't mean crap!

Let's beat the Eagles first before we start gushing about who the strongest team is in the NFC playoffs!

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:45 pm

Fios wrote:And you don't need to remind me that getting past the Eagles is the only thing that matters right now, I'm just basking in the glow of belated media lovin'

ejay183 · Post by **ejay183** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:48 pm

I dont care what his man has to write. Also I dont want the media supporting us, they dogged us most of the season and laughed at the thought of us in the playoffs.

washington53 · Post by **washington53** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:53 pm

it seems like everyone thinks were already in the playoffs. The eagles are playing at home, and nothing would make them happier than nocking us out of the playoffs.. we dont need the media to do anything for us.

Punu · Post by **Punu** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:54 pm

If we don't beat the Eagles, it won't mean crap!

Let's beat the Eagles first before we start gushing about who the strongest team is in the NFC playoffs!

your exactly right. First we have to make the playoffs!

AZHog · Post by **AZHog** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:24 pm

Gasp! An article saying we're the NFC Superbowl-bound team?! This guy is great! Either way, we need to win on Sunday. After that, I'm projecting us to go all the way. In fact, bold as it may be, here's my Superbowl projection: Redskins 34 - Patriots 30. You heard it here first! :lol:

Go Redskins, Beat Philly!!!

daddywatson · Post by **daddywatson** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:28 pm

I'm not looking past the Eagles either. The last time we won in their house, was 2001. The last time we swept them was 1988, I believe. But... I, like the rest of my fellow brethren here, have taken a beating from the media on behalf of previous teams. So I think I will take some of this from whatever credible media service, with a grain of salt and a big smile. It's been a long time since any of us have been able to enjoy the type of scenario we are experiencing now.

ChrisHanburger · Post by **ChrisHanburger** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:38 pm

I'm also not looking past the Eagles, but it fills my heart with pride as a Redskins fan to see them so highly regarded. Its just so great to have hope and excitement this far into the season!! But I've also kept my mouth shut up here in enemy territory and will wait until after they hopefully win Sunday before I say anything.

spenser · Post by **spenser** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:55 pm

[quote="daddywatson"] The last time we won in their house, was 2001. The last time we swept them was 1988, quote]

Flip a coin so many times and it has to come up heads sooner or later. I like out chances!!! But this game still scares the crap out of me!

riggofan · Post by **riggofan** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 4:04 pm

This is nice and everything but not very realistic. IF we make the playoffs we are likely going to have to win 3 road games. That's a pretty tall order in the NFL.

Yeah it could happen and yeah I'll be hoping like hell it does. But saying the skins are capable of winning the super bowl is alot different from considering what it is going to take to even get there.

UK Skins Fan · Post by **UK Skins Fan** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 4:04 pm

I don't care what anybody in the media has to say. I didn't care earlier in the season, and I don't care now. Just win on Sunday, please. This game scares me to death, and I don't need to read any overblown estimations of the Redskins abilities beforehand. These guys are just starting to build the 'skins up, so they can knock 'em down later.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:20 pm

I normally do not watch HBO. But I watched it in a hotel earlier today with Dan Marino, Chris Collingworthless, Bob Costas and Chris Carter (former Minny).

Chris Carter had a bet earlier this year (when we had the 5-6 record). He said that the Redskins would NEVER make the playoffs this season. He was so sure that if the Skins made it to the playoffs he would wear a Hogette costume in the show!

Question #1:
What colour combination should the dress, shoes, hat and nose be? Purple and gold? :lol:

Question #2
Would the Hogettes sue him for misrepresentation? let alone allow him anywhere near them! :lol:

EA7649 · Post by **EA7649** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:29 pm

Know what i find funny we are 6th ranked team in the power rankings. But its a different author. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerrank ... ateChanged

Justice Hog · Post by **Justice Hog** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:33 pm

Once the playoff teams are selected and the home field teams are determined, I'll be in a better position to pick who I think will be in the big game. Until then, I make no predictions.

I don't know about the rest of you, but this Eagles game worries the hell out of me.

Yes, we stuck it to the Cowboys and Giants...but they were home games. The Redskins play strong at home and, historically, the Redskins play much much worse on the road.

Look - the Cardinals almost beat us!

Let's not count our chickens just yet.

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:50 pm

Justice Hog wrote:I know what to say.

If we don't beat the Eagles, it won't mean crap!

Let's beat the Eagles first before we start gushing about who the strongest team is in the NFC playoffs!

Spoken like a man who has known the pain of disappointment.
I hear you.

ChrisHanburger · Post by **ChrisHanburger** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:57 pm

tcwest10 wrote:
Justice Hog wrote:I know what to say.

If we don't beat the Eagles, it won't mean crap!

Let's beat the Eagles first before we start gushing about who the strongest team is in the NFC playoffs!

Spoken like a man who has known the pain of disappointment.
I hear you.

That's the crux of this whole thing. I think almost everyone in their heart believes the Skins will win this, but after so many years of dissapointments and embarrasments, they're afraid to stick their necks out emotionally and just be confident. It just would be so embarrassing to lose this game when we're so friggin' CLOSE. Thats why I personally have kept a low profile. I think we will be collectively holding our breaths until this game is over. i also believe there will be a huge sigh of relief!!

HAIL!!!

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:07 pm

Wasn't that long ago that we went 0-5 to 5-5...and finished 8-8.
I don't need to have anybody sell me on the team or anything. I believe in them.
I'm just nervous, is all.

ChrisHanburger · Post by **ChrisHanburger** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:13 pm

yeah me too. I can see why. I'm nervous too, but lets just say cautiously optimistic. I just want Sunday to be over...either way....the suspense is friggin' killing me!!!!...

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:20 pm

I think I'm gonna have to call in sick to the main job tomorrow...the day is gonna be too long.
I need a sedative that works off the Hogs.net countdown clock.