Must win Minnesota

[EA7649]

After that exciting win against the cowboys it makes the Vikings game even more important than we ever thought. Yes it can be said every game is a must win, but this is especially important with it being a winnable game, bye week, Robert returning soom, Bucs first game after the bye. Lastly, I would feel confident if Colt started this game and let Robert rest 2 more weeks. Although, before the game the TV showed Roberts mobility and I think he just needs to work on his skills with the offense. Colt is gutsy, manages the game and doesn't make many awful mistakes. Thoughts? Kinda unrelated, But I hope Breeland becomes a star after that cowboys game.
Thoughts?

[SkinsJock]

It's another game - we are no better than we were last week or than we've been all season - we did not win games we should have won - we're a better team than most give us credit for but we still have issues that only time can fix

I hope McCoy plays as I think Griffin needs the time and really there's no difference if he plays this week or waits

Griffin gives this team a better QB but he needs the guys around him and they're not getting here till next season

this team can win every game and things won't change - we need O linemen and we need Defensive linemen + secondary help

Gruden and the coaches saw what can happen when these guys play the way they have been coached and with desire - there were mistakes but the players and coaches kept believing in each other

the object is to try and win every game but most importantly to determine who the guys are we can build this team around

WE DO HAVE OUR QB - that is a huge plus

[Skins Fan in Indy]

I cant say I see this game as a must win but more as a momentum building game. We should win this game, that is what scares me and after a mentally and physical big win against the Cowpukes they really to need to be on there game. IMO now I will see what the Skins are really made of. As for RGIII and the way the schedule is setup for the rest of the year, let Colt play this game and give RGIII the extra 2 weeks rest because if we are 4-5 going into the bye do I dare say we might be able to make a division title push???. Last 3 games at NY, home against Eagles and Cowpukes and with alittle help who knows.

[EA7649]

I understand almost completely agree with both of you. There are some obvious positions that needs to be addressed next season, we are not serious competitors because of that. But, having a respectable season and something to be excited about is doable and see where it lands. I believe if Colt starts next week and let Robert prepare in practice for the Bucs game he will be more successful and its a confidence booster against a JV, like Bucs defense.

[riggofan]

EA7649, I saw that video of RGIII warming up before the Cowboys game too and I think I had the same reaction as you. He looked strong, healthy and mobile. I know that's not the same as seeing him in live action, but it was still awesome to see him out there.

I have mixed feelings about this Vikings game. On one hand, this plan of waiting until the Bucs game seems reasonable. No matter how healthy RGIII is today, you can't deny that he'll be MORE healthy getting another two weeks of rest and he'll be MORE prepared getting two more weeks of practice.

On the other hand, I think there will be a lot of pressure on him in that game at home v. the Bucs if that's his first game back. Even more so if Colt McCoy has just won three straight games. I would kind of prefer to see him return in the away game against the Vikings, but its a tough call.

The match up between Gruden and Zimmer should be interesting too btw. You have to figure those guys know each other pretty well. Its not going to be a cakewalk to beat them.

[SkinsJock]

Griffin looked pretty good in warm ups last night ...

When he does play again I hope he's seen that the QB does not need to be anything special or take unnecessary chances ...

we have some talent on offense - when you use that talent & you have the talent that Griffin has - this offense can be scary good



can't wait to see him play again and see that he's learned to be the type of QB that Gruden and McVay want PLUS utilize his own skills

[HEROHAMO]

Every game is a must win. But yes we have momentum and the Vikings are without their best player for the rest of the season.

Yes this game is critical there is no denying this. I am sure the team knows it as well. Win at all costs.

If Colt can keep improving then why not keep playing him? But then again if Griff can play why not get him going?
Not really sure how I feel about the Griff situation.

All I care about is getting the win. I feel Colt can win us this game. The way our defense played there should be no reason why we cant win this.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

I would feel confident if Colt started this game and let Robert rest 2 more weeks. Although, before the game the TV showed Roberts mobility and I think he just needs to work on his skills with the offense...Thoughts?

I'm all for Colt starting (if he wins, that's 3-in-a-row) and RGIII getting "back into football shape" for his return against Tampa. If he comes back at anywhere near 2012-healthy-Robert-levels, the Skins could be a dangerous team heading into the meat of the season!

[emoses14]

I would feel confident if Colt started this game and let Robert rest 2 more weeks. Although, before the game the TV showed Roberts mobility and I think he just needs to work on his skills with the offense...Thoughts?

I'm all for Colt starting (if he wins, that's 3-in-a-row) and RGIII getting "back into football shape" for his return against Tampa. If he comes back at anywhere near 2012-healthy-Robert-levels, the Skins could be a dangerous team heading into the meat of the season!

I've actually been thinking about what this offense, all of it, might look like with Griffin at the helm. Throws that actually hit desean in stride/are thrown far enough for him to be able to keep running (you know so he can keep running rather than waiting for the ball to arrive); paralyzing the des and lbs so Alf can get going again; not making stupid mistakes that lead to turnovers; putting the fear of god back into the rest of the NFC East. . .

I can't decide if I am for Colt starting or Griff for this week. I just don't know. But Gruden has shown me enough so far this year to trust his judgement on the matter, either way.

[riggofan]

I've actually been thinking about what this offense, all of it, might look like with Griffin at the helm. Throws that actually hit desean in stride/are thrown far enough for him to be able to keep running (you know so he can keep running rather than waiting for the ball to arrive); paralyzing the des and lbs so Alf can get going again; not making stupid mistakes that lead to turnovers; putting the fear of god back into the rest of the NFC East. . .

I can't decide if I am for Colt starting or Griff for this week. I just don't know. But Gruden has shown me enough so far this year to trust his judgement on the matter, either way.

I know exactly what you're saying man. The offense has been coming together, and they've been good enough to win games with the third string QB coming in to lead them. I've been thinking the same thing about the possibility of Griffin coming back, playing more like we saw him in 2012 and this offense REALLY starting to come alive again.

I think Skins fans are just scared to see RGIII out there again. What if he doesn't play well? What if he gets hurt again? What if he loses a game that Colt McCoy might have won? Its kind of nerve racking, and I don't blame anybody for it.

[SkinsJock]

EVERY game is a must win for every team each and every week - that's why the NFL is what it is

we can win this game with Colt McCoy but we have a much better chance if Griffin is cleared to play

even a 'rusty' Griffin is a lot better at QB than Cousins or McCoy

I've got a feeling that he's going to get back on the field this week unless he completely blows during practice & I don't see that

Having Griffin at QB could also lead to Morris getting a lot of carries and getting the run game going is only going to help this offense

[oneman56]

This game is almost a must-win if we're talking about making the playoffs however we saw 2 years go we went from 3-6 to 10-6 so anything is possible. At any rate, I suspect this will be a very tough game. The Vikings defense is pretty good and they get after the QB quite well, Zimmer is an excellent defensive mind. They have a decent run game with McKinnon but they are very suspect in the passing game. They are in almost the same spot we are both record-wise and in their division and have a lot to play for. Shut down the run and bring the pressure to young Bridgewater and force some turnovers and take care of the ball.

[SkinsJock]

a few weeks ago EVERYONE with any sense was hoping we could find out who could help this franchise in the seasons to come

now we hear from some fans who must be idiots because they think this team that a few weeks ago was DEAD is now a playoff contender

GET REAL

we are the same group that we were - we're NOT a playoff contender - we just want to win this next game

S T U P I D

[SkinsJock]

This game is almost a must-win if we're talking about making the playoffs however we saw 2 years go we went from 3-6 to 10-6 so anything is possible. At any rate, I suspect this will be a very tough game. The Vikings defense is pretty good and they get after the QB quite well, Zimmer is an excellent defensive mind. They have a decent run game with McKinnon but they are very suspect in the passing game. They are in almost the same spot we are both record-wise and in their division and have a lot to play for. Shut down the run and bring the pressure to young Bridgewater and force some turnovers and take care of the ball.

AND THEN I see that you are from Colorado - my apologies

ENJOY

[welch]

I would feel confident if Colt started this game and let Robert rest 2 more weeks. Although, before the game the TV showed Roberts mobility and I think he just needs to work on his skills with the offense...Thoughts?

I'm all for Colt starting (if he wins, that's 3-in-a-row) and RGIII getting "back into football shape" for his return against Tampa. If he comes back at anywhere near 2012-healthy-Robert-levels, the Skins could be a dangerous team heading into the meat of the season!

Welcome back, Redeemed (The Redeemed One, TRO)!

Start Colt. He looked pretty good. Don't risk Griffin until he is ready. Completely.

[Deadskins]

we're NOT a playoff contender

We are until we are mathematically eliminated.

[Burgundy&Wha?]

we're NOT a playoff contender

We are until we are mathematically eliminated.

I really like that Gruden reminded the team in his locker room speech that they are still 3 & 5. Don't let it get to your heads. Man, I'm really liking Gruden.

[SkinsJock]

we're NOT a playoff contender

We are until we are mathematically eliminated.

back at ya - I want this team to win every game but just as importantly to me is to determine who the guys are that we have that we can build around and make winning games with the pukes and eagles not be considered upsets

anyone that thinks we're a playoff contender because we could make the playoffs is just VERY biased

HEY it's a fact, we could be in the playoffs as I pointed out earlier this season, that would only be possible because the other teams in the NFC East are not very good and not because we're going to become a consistently good team with this secondary and the lack of depth/talent on both lines

I'm looking forward to having this team win some more games this season and addressing the O line, defensive secondary etc.

btw - Amerson and Breeland are looking like they could develop into really good CBs AND maybe even help out our safety issue

[StorminMormon86]

I never understand the mentality of not sticking with the hot hand. McCoy should remain the starter on a very short leash, IMO.

[SkinsJock]

I never understand the mentality of not sticking with the hot hand. McCoy should remain the starter on a very short leash, IMO.

I disagree - Jay Gruden has told the QBs and the team that Griffin is the QB and he will play when he's cleared (physically & mentally)

there are many that think we should stay with McCoy but that would entail explaining why he is not sticking to his promise

Gruden's words earlier this week were that Griffin "is very, very, very close ... " to being able to play

I'd like him to come back as the starter 11/16 but there's no doubt that the offense will be better with Griffin under center


IMO - Griffin will be starting Sunday

[emoses14]

I never understand the mentality of not sticking with the hot hand. McCoy should remain the starter on a very short leash, IMO.

I'm glad Colt was in vs. Titt, but having looked back at that game, I'm not sure I'd exactly call his hand hot. He managed that game incredibly well, and the defense won that game for us in the absence of back breaking turnovers and mistakes from the offense. But it sure isn't the case that he played so well that its enough to keep Griffin on the bench, by any means. McCoy did what a back up is supposed to and then some, he didn't cost us the game. Every throw he made was off (not deep enough/enough air to Jackson on the bombs, low and outside on the slant to Jackson in the 4th (?) when he had plenty of running room, etc.), and I'm pointing this out to argue against the degree of heat in his hand, not to take away from his doing his job.

You play the best players you have available. Colt is not our best QB.

[oneman56]

This game is almost a must-win if we're talking about making the playoffs however we saw 2 years go we went from 3-6 to 10-6 so anything is possible. At any rate, I suspect this will be a very tough game. The Vikings defense is pretty good and they get after the QB quite well, Zimmer is an excellent defensive mind. They have a decent run game with McKinnon but they are very suspect in the passing game. They are in almost the same spot we are both record-wise and in their division and have a lot to play for. Shut down the run and bring the pressure to young Bridgewater and force some turnovers and take care of the ball.

AND THEN I see that you are from Colorado - my apologies

ENJOY

Not sure what that's suppose to mean but I usually am unsure of the meaning to your posts.

[riggofan]

I never understand the mentality of not sticking with the hot hand. McCoy should remain the starter on a very short leash, IMO.

Yeah that worked out well with Hot Hands Cousins.

Seriously, the backup QB coming in and lighting it up for a few quarters or a game is not a new phenomenon in the NFL. Right, Matt Flynn?

[riggofan]

Don't risk Griffin until he is ready. Completely.

Doctor says he is ready. Coach says he is ready. Griffin says he is ready. What exactly do you want?

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Don't risk Griffin until he is ready. Completely.

Doctor says he is ready. Coach says he is ready. Griffin says he is ready. What exactly do you want?

One more week of rest and conditioning for Robert, and one more start for Colt. How much more clearly can we spell it?

(Seriously, if Colt can get us to 4-5 against Minnesota, RGIII leading the team at 100% for seven straight weeks after the bye would make this team all the more fearsome.)