I expect better safety play this time. It appears Merriweather's attitude rubbed off on Gomes.
By Mike Jones, Published: November 27
As he watched strong safety Brandon Meriweather fly around during the first half of the Washington Redskins’ Nov. 18 meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, second-year pro DeJon Gomes had an “ah-ha” moment.
Gomes observed the energy and passion Meriweather — who played for the first time after nursing injuries in the first nine games of the season — displayed while recording seven tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. Suddenly, Gomes said, he understood how strong safety was supposed to be played in the NFL.
Meriweather’s 2012 season ended after just 40 snaps, however, when he tore an anterior cruciate ligament four plays into the third quarter. Gomes took Meriweather’s place and promptly delivered a bone-jarring hit. He went on to record four tackles and two pass breakups to help ensure Washington didn’t experience a drop-off in its best defensive outing of the season. The team held the Eagles to just six points.
“You could just see the passion from Play 1 to the last play [Meriweather] was out there,” Gomes recalled. “He was giving his all, and then a little more. Just seeing that really inspired me.”
The Redskins stuck with Gomes — their fifth-round pick in 2011 — as their primary strong safety for the following game against Dallas. He recorded five tackles and recovered a fumble, returning it 13 yards.
“I told a few people, after that Philly game,” Gomes said, “after I got to see Brandon play, it carried over in that second half, and it carried over into that Dallas game a little bit. Just seeing the way he played the game gave me some motivation.”
It appears Griff's confidence has spread to other players. We are at home. We should have a partisan crowd and a full stadium. I like our chances this time around.
Give me the Redskins ... 30-20.
DarthMonk
