Don't count the Skins out yet

[John Manfreda]

I know we lost and looked bad, but it is one game. Teams have lost openers before and went on to win superbowls, check the Buccaners, The second time the Pats won the superbowl they lost 34-0 in their opener. The Vikings are not a bad team they are probably contenders to win their division even though its a crappy division. Ask yourself this are you really going to count out Joe Gibbs after one game. What Joe Gibbs is known for is a strong work ethic, he probably went to the office and started studying film right after his press confrence. I know we lost but it shouldn't mean u give up on the season, thats called being a quiter.

[frankcal20]

I agree. I am not too hurt up by this loss. It exposed some needs here. We need a better nickle back and we need to make something happen to get someone. If Springs is out next week, we are srewed b/c Carlos Rogers isn't good enough right now to cover #1 receivers. We also didn't get to rush b/c of this factor.

[roybus14]

I agree that now is no time for panic. But Gregg Williams (GW) has to put in a better scheme to protect our deficiently at corner, with Springs still out.

The offense will be fine and with each game they will improve more and more. We don't have the luxury like last year of our defense holding people to 10 points or less and dominating the game. So they will have to get it in gear quicker...

Our pass rush wasn't too bad except that Carter has to add another move or two to his arsenal that he can go to when his first move is stopped. Also, let's be real too that he was matched up against a 6'9 300+ bohemeth in McKinney. The Vikings probably have the best left side of the line in football with McKinney and Hutchinson. Carter got close around the edge a couple of times but that was the best that he could do going against McKinney.

In the next couple of games or until Springs is back, we will see how good our defensive coaches are in motivating our guys and coming up with schemes that are effective.

[Gibbs4Life]

We we're exposed last night.

1. Portis feels too good about his perfomance 1 td yes but no consistent pounding, his quote about the loss "man it happens"
I don't care how good you think Ladell Betts is, if Portis runs for 39 yds we lose period. Oh and while we're talking run game Instead of John "money from 30 in, after that I pack it in" Hall kicking why didn't we us T.J. Duckett on 4th and 1? is that not why we sought out the guy, from what I saw he didn't touch the field.

2.Brunell passes for 163, THATS NOT GOOD ENOUGH KIDS

3. Minnesota's O-Line murdered our D all night, Carlos Rodgers is arm tackling high and missing tackles, let me say if we try to arm tackle high on T.0. we'll be run over CUT AND WRAP THE LEGS!!!NFL wideouts are too strong to fist fight on every tackle Carlos. Oh and don't get me started on Archuleta holy ___ I've never seen such garbage as this guy getting pancaked and beaten and thrown over and ran at all night long.

4. Our Punter sucks, as a punter, a holder, and a person, I think he's gay

5. Earth to Gregg Williams YOU LIKE TO BLITZ SO BLITZ, what did we
have 1 sack total?

All that said it is a long season and we have 15 games to go, we need 10 at least to have a shot, and OUR MOST IMPORTANT LESSON of last year was WE NEED HOMEFIELD ADVANTAGE IN PLAYOFFS, although if we play like we did last night it won't matter much. I think we still have personnel issues.

My solution: 1. Gibbs needs to crack the whip, esp on MB and CP
2. GWilliams needs to crack the whip esp on AA and Dline
3. Play Duckett over Betts, heck play sellers over betts
4. Jason Campbell gets us 2 td's in that game and wins it.
We need attitude adjustments, cause it ain't gettin any easier this sunday night.

[Dangerfield]

I agree that now is no time for panic. But Gregg Williams (GW) has to put in a better scheme to protect our deficiently at corner, with Springs still out.

The offense will be fine and with each game they will improve more and more. We don't have the luxury like last year of our defense holding people to 10 points or less and dominating the game. So they will have to get it in gear quicker...

Our pass rush wasn't too bad except that Carter has to add another move or two to his arsenal that he can go to when his first move is stopped. Also, let's be real too that he was matched up against a 6'9 300+ bohemeth in McKinney. The Vikings probably have the best left side of the line in football with McKinney and Hutchinson. Carter got close around the edge a couple of times but that was the best that he could do going against McKinney.

In the next couple of games or until Springs is back, we will see how good our defensive coaches are in motivating our guys and coming up with schemes that are effective.

Finally...a voice of reason. Good points all, and all are true in my oppinion.
I know that the kicker thing is getting beaten to death, but we must make a move now, not after the next game Hall costs us.

[Irn-Bru]

Last year our team was scorned by fans and media alike for "barely" beating the Bears 9-7. Of course, the Bears turned out to be better than everyone expected. Aside from the loss to the Skins, the Bears went 11-4.

Last night was a terrible finish. I hated to see it. But after seeing how well the Viking's lines (both offense and defense) performed, and how well Brad Johnson played--maybe one or two mistakes--I think that the Vikings are going to be a team to reckon with this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if we rematch in the playoffs. After all, if the Chicago Bears can lose a close one in Week 1 and still go 11-5, I see no reason why the Skins can't do the same thing.

[SkinsFreak]

Last year our team was scorned by fans and media alike for "barely" beating the Bears 9-7. Of course, the Bears turned out to be better than everyone expected. Aside from the loss to the Skins, the Bears went 11-4.

Last night was a terrible finish. I hated to see it. But after seeing how well the Viking's lines (both offense and defense) performed, and how well Brad Johnson played--maybe one or two mistakes--I think that the Vikings are going to be a team to reckon with this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if we rematch in the playoffs. After all, if the Chicago Bears can lose a close one in Week 1 and still go 11-5, I see no reason why the Skins can't do the same thing.

Good points and I agree with you.

[die cowboys die]

Last year our team was scorned by fans and media alike for "barely" beating the Bears 9-7. Of course, the Bears turned out to be better than everyone expected. Aside from the loss to the Skins, the Bears went 11-4.

Last night was a terrible finish. I hated to see it. But after seeing how well the Viking's lines (both offense and defense) performed, and how well Brad Johnson played--maybe one or two mistakes--I think that the Vikings are going to be a team to reckon with this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if we rematch in the playoffs. After all, if the Chicago Bears can lose a close one in Week 1 and still go 11-5, I see no reason why the Skins can't do the same thing.

i dont' care if the vikings go 19-0 and win the superbowl. last night the redskins HUGELY underperformed to their abilities. that is a smack in the face to all their fans, on national TV.

[Mursilis]

Last year our team was scorned by fans and media alike for "barely" beating the Bears 9-7. Of course, the Bears turned out to be better than everyone expected. Aside from the loss to the Skins, the Bears went 11-4.

Last night was a terrible finish. I hated to see it. But after seeing how well the Viking's lines (both offense and defense) performed, and how well Brad Johnson played--maybe one or two mistakes--I think that the Vikings are going to be a team to reckon with this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if we rematch in the playoffs. After all, if the Chicago Bears can lose a close one in Week 1 and still go 11-5, I see no reason why the Skins can't do the same thing.

All this is true; plenty of good teams have lost to bad teams, and recovered to go on to great things. In '03, the lowly Spurrier 'skins (5-11 that year) humbled the Patriots, who then went on a 14-game winning streak that extended into the playoffs and a Super Bowl victory over Carolina. A winning streak deep into the playoffs would be real nice about now!

[patjam77]

Last year our team was scorned by fans and media alike for "barely" beating the Bears 9-7. Of course, the Bears turned out to be better than everyone expected. Aside from the loss to the Skins, the Bears went 11-4.

Last night was a terrible finish. I hated to see it. But after seeing how well the Viking's lines (both offense and defense) performed, and how well Brad Johnson played--maybe one or two mistakes--I think that the Vikings are going to be a team to reckon with this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if we rematch in the playoffs. After all, if the Chicago Bears can lose a close one in Week 1 and still go 11-5, I see no reason why the Skins can't do the same thing.

i dont' care if the vikings go 19-0 and win the superbowl. last night the redskins HUGELY underperformed to their abilities. that is a smack in the face to all their fans, on national TV.

exactly!!! i'm bummed and a little voice in my head keeps saying that "hey, they will man up and beat the cowboys" BUT there is no way that will happen. many fans on this board are realizing just how much they were exposed last night and going to dallas in 5 days is just adding to the misery. 0-2 is staring this skins team square in the face and even a win against houston isn't a given.
alot of this is like prealou's (spelling) injury... just a huge build up for many fans and you get smacked back into reality. it's a terrible feeling.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

exactly!!! i'm bummed and a little voice in my head keeps saying that "hey, they will man up and beat the cowboys" BUT there is no way that will happen. many fans on this board are realizing just how much they were exposed last night and going to dallas in 5 days is just adding to the misery. 0-2 is staring this skins team square in the face and even a win against houston isn't a given.
alot of this is like prealou's (spelling) injury... just a huge build up for many fans and you get smacked back into reality. it's a terrible feeling.

Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Forget last night. The game on Sunday night vs. the pies will come down to who wants it more. You better believe the Skins will get a wake-up call during this short week.

[PulpExposure]

[Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Except there's a problem. The Cowboys lost in Jacksonville.

We lost at home. That's what troubles me the most. These are the kind of games you can't afford to lose, given the difficulty of our division and our schedule overall.

[vtfootball07]

[Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Except there's a problem. The Cowboys lost in Jacksonville.

We lost at home. That's what troubles me the most. These are the kind of games you can't afford to lose, given the difficulty of our division and our schedule overall.

I don't believe this, but just thought I'd throw it out there. Is it possible that our division isn't that difficult regardless of how it looks on paper. It is only week one, but the division has only gone 1-3. That isn't the sign of a dominating division. Here's hoping that the mediocrity continues for all but the Skins...

[Mursilis]

[Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Except there's a problem. The Cowboys lost in Jacksonville.

We lost at home. That's what troubles me the most. These are the kind of games you can't afford to lose, given the difficulty of our division and our schedule overall.

And the Jags were in the playoffs last year, unlike the team that beat us. The Cowboys lost because of one thing - Drew Bledsoe and his dumb INTs. If they ever figure out he's the weakest link, and Tony Romo looks as good as he did in the preseason (better than Brunell), they're going to be strong.

[patjam77]

exactly!!! i'm bummed and a little voice in my head keeps saying that "hey, they will man up and beat the cowboys" BUT there is no way that will happen. many fans on this board are realizing just how much they were exposed last night and going to dallas in 5 days is just adding to the misery. 0-2 is staring this skins team square in the face and even a win against houston isn't a given.
alot of this is like prealou's (spelling) injury... just a huge build up for many fans and you get smacked back into reality. it's a terrible feeling.

Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

thanks for trying to cheer me up bud but i see the writing on the wall. it's really bad living here in philly. when they win it rammed down your throat and it's just been terrible today. for 6 years i've dealt with it and i really thought this year the skins were going to be good for the whole year. they just have a lot of work to do and i'm not sure it can all get done in time before going 0-2

Forget last night. The game on Sunday night vs. the pies will come down to who wants it more. You better believe the Skins will get a wake-up call during this short week.

[Mursilis]

[Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Except there's a problem. The Cowboys lost in Jacksonville.

We lost at home. That's what troubles me the most. These are the kind of games you can't afford to lose, given the difficulty of our division and our schedule overall.

I don't believe this, but just thought I'd throw it out there. Is it possible that our division isn't that difficult regardless of how it looks on paper. It is only week one, but the division has only gone 1-3. That isn't the sign of a dominating division. Here's hoping that the mediocrity continues for all but the Skins...

Except only we lost to a non-playoff team. The Giants played the Colts tough, and Cowboys lost because they insist on starting Drew Bledsoe. On the other hand, we lost to a rebuilding team with a rookie head coach at home. Every other offense in the NFC East scored more points and gained more yards than ours.

[vtfootball07]

[Patjam - If it makes you feel any better, the cowpies were also exposed on national TV just a day before. So, it's gonna be a real battle between exposed teams on Sunday night.

Except there's a problem. The Cowboys lost in Jacksonville.

We lost at home. That's what troubles me the most. These are the kind of games you can't afford to lose, given the difficulty of our division and our schedule overall.

I don't believe this, but just thought I'd throw it out there. Is it possible that our division isn't that difficult regardless of how it looks on paper. It is only week one, but the division has only gone 1-3. That isn't the sign of a dominating division. Here's hoping that the mediocrity continues for all but the Skins...

Except only we lost to a non-playoff team. The Giants played the Colts tough, and Cowboys lost because they insist on starting Drew Bledsoe. On the other hand, we lost to a rebuilding team with a rookie head coach at home. Every other offense in the NFC East scored more points and gained more yards than ours.

Who cares if they weren't a playoff team last year. It drives me crazy to hear that argument. There are teams that make the playoffs every year that didn't the year before. Moreover, these teams lose players every year, and others bring them in. Heck, the Vikings didn't have the same pieces from last year (ie: Hutchison, Richardson, Chester Taylor). I can guarantee you that you will feel a lot better if Minny makes the playoffs this year, and IF they do I will go even further to say that you will write it off as a 'quality' loss. My point is that we can't judge teams based on the previous season and need to look at the present. This league is built for parity.

[Mursilis]

Who cares if they weren't a playoff team last year. It drives me crazy to hear that argument. There are teams that make the playoffs every year that didn't the year before. Moreover, these teams lose players every year, and others bring them in. Heck, the Vikings didn't have the same pieces from last year (ie: Hutchison, Richardson, Chester Taylor). I can guarantee you that you will feel a lot better if Minny makes the playoffs this year, and IF they do I will go even further to say that you will write it off as a 'quality' loss. My point is that we can't judge teams based on the previous season and need to look at the present. This league is built for parity.

I will never 'feel better' about a Redskins loss. You're right about parity - the Vikings obviously are rebuilding quicker than everyone thought. My only concern about this loss is whether it was a fluke or the start of a trend.

[gus]

I am not too hurt up by this loss. It exposed some needs here.

Isn't this what preseason is supposed to be for??? Oh yeah, we lost all the preseason games and the No. 1 team didn't score a single point in I don' know how many quarters....

Gus

[vtfootball07]

Who cares if they weren't a playoff team last year. It drives me crazy to hear that argument. There are teams that make the playoffs every year that didn't the year before. Moreover, these teams lose players every year, and others bring them in. Heck, the Vikings didn't have the same pieces from last year (ie: Hutchison, Richardson, Chester Taylor). I can guarantee you that you will feel a lot better if Minny makes the playoffs this year, and IF they do I will go even further to say that you will write it off as a 'quality' loss. My point is that we can't judge teams based on the previous season and need to look at the present. This league is built for parity.

I will never 'feel better' about a Redskins loss. You're right about parity - the Vikings obviously are rebuilding quicker than everyone thought. My only concern about this loss is whether it was a fluke or the start of a trend.

I will never feel better, as well Mursilis. This loss ruined my week. Hopefully they can come back on a short week against Dallas.

[alove29]

Some bottom line stuff. The redskins have been to the playoffs twice since 1992. The difference between going 7-9 and not making the playoffsand going 10-6 and winning the division is about 10-15 plays throughout the season. The team has done nothing in the preseason and the first game to give you any confidence that they will be on the good side of at least half of those 10-15 plays. Plays like missing a 48 yard field goal andtwo costly penalties by arguably your best defensive player. That said, it is only one game. The big question is, is this indicative of how the season is going to go, or is it an aberation? I don't know, but I don't have alot of confidence that this game was an aberation.

[RayNAustin]

Personally, I never write off the Skins and Joe Gibbs, but.......

Last night was far from a quality loss. The Vikes ran the ball write down our throats in the second half. The only thing that stopped them were penalties. No pass rush, and on third down....absolute atrocious play. That's supposed to be our strength. Johnson is a pocket passer, and like Bledsoe, will pick you apart without inside pressure. All game long we were attacking from the ends, unsuccessfully. If missing Springs is the reason for this, we're in big trouble., because it's a long season and injuries happen. I'm starting to wonder if G. Williams believes that his defensive system is so great, we can afford to let go quality players each year like Arrington, Clark, Peirce and not miss a beat. If you check...our defense ranking has been going in the wrong direction...2004 rank 3rd.....2005 rank 9th, after 1 game this year, rank 18, against a team not that good. What do you think would have happened had we been playing the Colts??

The Offense was offensive. Kicking field goals from the 5 instead of TD's. We're supposed to be improving, but 16 points is very close to our 2004 average of 15.2 which sucks. You expect that much production from any run of the mill offense with a second rate QB. Keep in mind that the Vikes defense was ranked 29th in the preseason...1 spot worse than ours.

If we play that way next week....it will be a blowout embarassment. And I suppose we're going to really find out something about the 2006 Redskins next Sunday night cuz the cowgirls are licking their chops right now.

The Boys lost to a very good team on the road. The Giants lost to one of the best in the NFL, and we lost at home to a rebuilding team.

[GibbsAcolyte]

Williams can't blitz if the corners can't cover. Once Springs comes back, the pass rush will be better.

One thing I agree with: I'd like to see the skins keep more of their good players instead of signing everyone else's good players. Also the skins don't have a lot of depth almost anywhere. Most teams don't.

I don't understand why the offense didn't use Duckett. Was he inactivated? If so, why? He would have been perfect down by the goalline. Isn't that why the skins got him in the first place?

[Irn-Bru]

I don't understand why the offense didn't use Duckett. Was he inactivated? If so, why? He would have been perfect down by the goalline. Isn't that why the skins got him in the first place?

I'm guessing that, since he's still new, the coaches don't feel comfortable throwing him in the mix quite yet.

Also, last night was not a big running night. Our RBs combined had only 18 carries, a little more than half of what you might expect in a typical game from last year.

When it comes to short passes to big guys, ey and Sellers were both absent in the game--Cooley in particular looked a bit frustrated. Adding Duckett to that mix would probably have only made things worse. In my opinion we'll see T.J. worked in more as the offense settles into its rythm.

[HitDoctor]

If Springs is out next week, we are srewed b/c Carlos Rogers isn't good enough right now to cover #1 receivers.

Rogers can't cover a #2 or a #3!!! Did you see the game last night? Hopefully Carlos saw how much of an "arse clown" he was last night on film and his mates will chew him out!