Based on what?
Are you telling me you were perfectly happy the first 55 minutes of the game? And that you always knew that we would win?
I'm basing it on the fact that Brunell got the job done, when he needed to do it. But, the fact that we didn't score until the last 5 minutes is not what I'm concerned with . What I am pleased with, is that in spite of a torrid Dallas pass rush, a good game plan by the Dallas coaching staff, poor protection by our own offensive line, and outstanding play by our Defense, we were still in the game with a chance to win it. Brunell, while not putting up numbers or leading any scoring drives, had a good zip on the ball. Even the rainbow that he tossed into the end zone that missed by a foot, was a well thrown ball. Some of his passes were either under thrown or over thrown, that happens. But, his passes were tight spirals that had some pop in them. He showed mobility, composure, and was a genuine leader.
Those two TD passes late in the game were tight spirals and he hit Moss in stride, which is what we need. They were NOT flukes, nor were they handed to us on a silver platter. They were tight spirals and went right where they were meant to go, with the receivers running the right route.
Is this a reason to predict playoffs? No, not really. But, I think it highlights why Joe Gibbs has Brunell in there in the first place. I'd like to think that Ramsey could have done the same thing, but realistically speaking, I don't think Ramsey would have been as composed throughout the game, and more importantly, been able to hit Moss in stride when he needed it most. Brunell showed a few things that don't show on the stat sheet:
1- Leadership
2- Composure
3- Knowledge of the receivers routes.
Not only that, but he did so IN Dallas against a hell of a good defense. Up to last week, he hasn't been practicing with the starters, now he is. Perhaps, just maybe, HOPEFULLY, and with support, he'll begin to show better timing with the WR's, more stretching of the field, and more completions in the first three Quarters. But, it's something to build on, and honestly speaking, I think he's capable of improving on it. If he doens't, then Gibbs will adjust accordingly. But, Brunell has the confidence, and hopefully, will now have the support of the fans. Well, MOST of the fans anyway.
The Redskins, as a team, did not play very well in the first 3 Quarters last night, not just Brunell. But, through it all, Brunell was calm, in control, and his throws were not lacking in zip. I'm not overly optimistic, but from what I saw, I liked it. I have every reason to like it. We haven't had much of a chance to like what we've seen in years, and if it's something that can offer even a glimmer of hope, however small it might be, and however manufactured it is, then I'm all for it. I'd rather be hopefull, then full of doom and gloom. I'd prefer to support our QB, then bash our coach for his decisions. I'd prefer to see good in a win, as well as understand that improvement is necessary. I would rather be positive about the future, instead of throwing in the towel based on one decision by our coach. I would rather. I'd rather be optimistic about the future than be forced to be almost upset that we won with Brunell.
No matter what the situation is, I'm a fan, and I want our team to win. I will not bash a player, or coach, nor will I predict doom and gloom, unless I'm utterly convinced they're deserving of it. Right now, I think Brunell, as Coach Gibbs has said, gives us the best chance to win.
Instead of choosing to see the negative, which is a choice, I choose to see, and hope for, positive things. If I have to analyze, over analyze, pick at straws, to find that glimmer of hope that makes me proud to be a Redskins fan, then I'm willing to do it.
Sit back and watch the Redskins.
SOMETHING MAGICAL IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!