Die Hard Sports Fan

The Eagles started the game with very high energy. Donovan McNabb took his team the length of the field to score early. The Eagle defense held the Redskins offense to two three-and-out series to start the game. After a quick second touchdown on punt return by Desean Jackson, the Redskins settled down. By half-time, they cut the Eagles lead in half after a trio of field goals by Shaun Suisham. After finally taking the lead towards the middle of the third quarter, the Redskins never looked back as they continued to impress on both sides of the ball.

1st Quarter -

Redskins start off the game with an strong special teams effort, but it was immediately forgotten as Brian Westbrook popped off a 16 yard run after catch on a screen pass from Donovan McNabb. The Eagles proceeded to march down the field with short passes and the running of Westbrook. One play, a double reverse to Desean Jackson would have been a touchdown if not for the tackle by The Predator, Chris Horton. Three plays later, Westbrook fights through some arm tackles on the Redskins defense and get the first touchdown of the game.

After a three and out series by the Redskins offiense, and a questionable non-call, Desean Jackson out runs the Redskins special teams for a touchdown.

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Redskins find a way to stop the Eagles, mostly by the inaccuracy of McNabb and the wide right field goal attempt by David Akers.

2nd Quarter -

To start the second quarter, the Redskins get a first down, the first of the game. They followed that up with their first points of the game; a field goal by Shaun Suisham.

Westbrook had left the game midway through the first quarter, but made his return in time for the Eagles first possession of the second quarter. Carlos Rogers dropped an interception, which may have turned the momentum. Still, the Eagles are forced to punt one play later. Antwaan Randle-El allowed the punt to bounce, expecting it to touchback in the endzone. Instead, the Eagles cover the ball and give the Redskins terrible field position on the two yard line.

After running the ball out from deep in their own territory, the Eagles dial up the blitz and sack Jason Campbell for a loss of 16 yards on the missed pickup by Ladell Betts. Still, they find a way to keep the drive alive on a nice strike to the rookie Devin Thomas. Later, on the same drive, on third and six, Campbell attempts a quick pass only to have it batted down at the line of scrimmage. Suisham makes the field goal from 48 yards.

After forcing the Eagles to a three and out series, Washington takes the ball with under two minutes to convert another field goal by Suisham.

Halftime Score: Eagles, 9-14

3rd Quarter -

Both defenses of the teams came out strong to open the third quarter. The wake up call came on a violent run up the middle by Clinton Portis; a tremendous run for 10+ yards. Devin Thomas had a nice pickup on a WR screen to bring the ball inside the Eagles 20 yard line. On the next play, Randle-El took the reverse, faked the run and threw down the field to Chris Cooley for a touchdown. Redskins take the lead.

On the Eagles next possession, they go three and out and give the ball back to Redskins. After a third dropped pass for the game by Randle-El, he leaves the game with an apparent hand injury. The Redskins rookie WR, Devin Thomas commits his third offensive pass interference to negate the first pass reception of Santana Moss. Because of that penalty, the drive stalls.

The Redskins defense stops the Eagles again for three and out. On the resulting punt return by Randle-El, a penalty against the Eagles gives the Redskins the ball at midfield. A monster run by Portis takes the ball all the way inside the Eagles 10-yard line. While Portis is resting on the sideline, Betts takes the ball down inside the five yard line for 2nd and goal.

4th Quarter -

After an incompletion, on third and goal, Portis walks into the endzone for a touchdown.

The next series by the Eagles featured Westbrook and a catch and run by Reggie Brown. After marching deep into Redskins territory, the Redskins make a goal line stand to force the Eagles to kick the field goal.

On the next series by the Redskins, they pick up two consecutive, critical third downs to run the clock down to under three minutes. On yet another critical third down, the offense wastes a down on a broken play, which set up a fourth and one at the Eagles 39-yard line. Clinton Portis takes the hand off up the middle, pushes the pile ahead for the first down!

The Eagles without a time out remaining, run out the clock to win the game.

Score: Redskins, 23-17

Wrap Up -

• Jason Campbell was 16 of 29 for 176 yards.
• Clinton Portis rushed 29 times for 145 yards and a TD.
• Chris Cooley had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a TD.
• Six different Redskins caught passes today, except for Santana Moss.
• Redskins defense held the Eagles, the sixth ranked offense in the league, to only 196 yards passing and 58 yards rushing. 

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In what looks like a must win game for The Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field; let’s take a look at how they match-up offensively versus the defense of The Washington Redskins:

The Eagles offense will have to be ready to go physically with the Redskins defense.  The Redskins play a physical, team defense that is stingy but can give up yardage.  Part of their team philosophy is to keep their defense off the field with a ball possession attack on offense which keeps their defense fresh and hungry when they return to the field.  Although the Redskins defense is not full of star, pro-bowler type players, they play well as a team defense, complimenting each other, knowing their roles and how each person’s responsibility and performance helps the others on the defense.

The Eagles have one advantage where Redskins starting DE Jason Taylor will most likely be out another game.  Over his career, he has been a special player, able to rush the quarterback as well as being strong against the run.  With him out, the Eagles have one less thing to game plan.

The Redskins front four is solid but not spectacular.  DT Cornelius Griffin may cause match-up problems for Eagles Center Jamaal Jackson.  DE Andre Carter is a speed guy who could cause problems going against the Eagles aging and slowing Tackles.  The Eagles would be wise to put a Tight End on Carter’s side to chip him on important passing plays. 

Against the run, they are nicely supported by their Linebacking core, where LB’s Marcus Washington, London Fletcher, and Rocky McIntosh are tackling machines.  The Redskins also benefit from these 3 LB’s being skillful in the art of dropping back into pass coverage.  The play of the Redskins Secondary will probably determine how well the Eagles do or do not do on Offense.  When CBs Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, and Fred Smoot play as one unit with Safeties LaRon Laundry, Reed Doughty, and “The Predator” Chris Horton, the Redskins defense is very successful at limiting opposing offenses to scoring chances.  However, this unit can be taken advantage of as Springs is a bit long in the tooth, Rogers is still trying to recover from a knee injury, and Smoot can be inconsistent. 

I look for the Eagles to come out spreading the field with WR’s DeSean Jackson, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, and Hank Baskett.  The Redskins defense does best when they work together, swarming the ball, in numbers.  The Eagles will have the advantage if the field is spread and thus opening up things on the ground and in the air for RB Brian Westbrook (assuming he plays).  Westbrook is the wild card here.  If the Redskins have to focus on him, it will free up everyone else and take pressure off Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.  If the Redskins don’t worry about Westbrook, he very well may repeat his performance against them as he did last year where he single-handedly destroyed them with 183 total yards and 3 TDs.

The conclusion here is that although the Redskins defense is solid, they can be exploited.  They were only on the field a small portion of the game last week against Dallas but still gave up some yardage and big plays.  The Eagles need to be smart with the ball, create mismatches in open space, and keep the Redskins defense on the field as long as possible.  The Eagles know what to do; it is just a matter of how successful they will be at doing it.  Tomorrow, we will take a peak at how the Eagles defense matches up against QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, and the rest of the Redskins offense.

With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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Chris “The Predator” Horton was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. From the first time he stepped on the field in preseason, he just looked like a ball player should: fast, aggressive, dominant. It is fitting that he is recognized for his accomplishments to date.

Says Horton:

I’ve just been doing what I’ve been doing all my life, and that’s playing football and making plays. I don’t look at it like I have to show people what I can do. All I needed was the opportunity. I got the opportunty and now I’m making the most of it.

As fans, let’s continue to support him, and the rest of the team, as we strive to exceed all expectations.

Hail to the Redskins!

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Vedder:  Thank you for joining us today Warmontco.  This is a very important game this week between the Deadskins, I mean The Washington Redskins, and The Philadelphia Eagles.  With the NFC East being the best and toughest division in the NFL, as well as the most competitive, would you say that this is a must game for both teams?

Warmontco:  No, I don’t believe this is a must game for either team beyond the idea that each must defeat their rival. NFC East games are a cut above anything else you can identify in the NFL. It doesn’t matter if one team is perfect with zero wins, and the other perfect with zero losses. On game day, nothing else matters in an NFC match-up beyond the fact that the mindset is to win! There is no trophy, or big, blanking ring for being first in the division.

I recall as a kid we used to play a game called “King of the Hill.” It’s a popular game that I’m sure many can identify with. Playing in the NFC East is more like that game, year in and year out, than any other division in the NFL.

Vedder:  The Giants the only remaining undefeated team in the NFC East.  To date, their fans (especially a co-blogger of ours on www.diehardsportsfan.net) seem to have delusions of grandeur.  They did beat the Redskins and the Redskins beat The Dallas Cowboys in Dallas.  Do you think The Giants are currently the best team in the NFC East?   After all, I think I could have beaten the Rams and Bengals.  How pathetic that the Bengals took them to OT in the Meadowlands!

Warmontco:  Get real!! The Giants!?  Ha!  Not on your life. That said, I’m not comfortable stating who is the best team. I made this point in an earlier post leading up to the Cowboys game. Just because the Giants beat the Redskins (mostly because the Redskins weren’t ready in the first half of the game), and the Redskins beat the Cowboys, does NOT mean that the Giants can beat the Cowboys, or the Eagles. I believe this is a key fact that most people that don’t follow the NFC East never fully appreciate. All games, regardless of the perceived stature of the other team and the predictions of what they will achieve for the season, begin from base zero.

Most pundits who will try to offer their analysis would not put the Giants at the top of the hill right now, anyway. Why? Well, it’s simple. Who have they played. They beat a Washington team that wasn’t quite ready to begin the season and a mere shadow of itself today, the St. Louis Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants need to beat a team that is clicking on all cylinders before they can honestly be given king of the hill. But again, I remain reserved in that assessment because as I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter who is king of the hill today, tomorrow, next week, or at the end of the regular season. If the Giants taught us anything last year, it was that the only game that matters is the next one, until it’s the last one.

Now, that said, let me also say that I do believe the Redskins are playing very strong right now. For that, I also believe that the Redskins will give any NFC East team a very strong challenge. The Redskins defense did to the Dallas Cowboys what the Philadelphia Eagles defense couldn’t do. Still, in truth, we were more successful because were able to watch the tape of the Eagles/Cowboys game. 

Vedder:  The Redskins have been questioned around the league as being run by an owner who needs to stick his nose out of things.  Do you think owner Daniel Snyder has learned how to own the team without treating it as his own personal fantasy football team?

Warmontco:  Dan Snyder, in my humble opinion, has matured. He is acting, and operating the team, with prudence and forethought. It is well known, and he has even spoken of his early exuberance. But, for anyone to criticize him for that is shallow, at best. This is a man that has created success. Through that success, he was able to buy his most favorite childhood professional sports franchise. Now, in any other metropolitan outside of the D.C. metro area, that might not seem like very much. But, to Mr. Snyder, and to me, and to so many others that are a part of Redskins nation, you’d have to admit: what a rush that must have been to buy the team you love so much. So, naturally, he was exuberant and wanted to win…badly. I believe that has not changed. But, unlike his early years, I believe he now manages the team with the wisdom that can only come from experience. It’s the difference between knowledge and ‘know-how.’ Mr. Snyder now knows how to run the Redskins.

Vedder:  A few years ago, the Redskins dealt Pro Bowler CB Champ Bailey and a 2^nd round pick to the Denver Broncos for RB Clinton Portis.  At the time, Washington was criticized for giving up too much for Portis.  Now that a few years have gone by, as a Skins fan, how do you now evaluate this trade?

Warmontco:  I’m a huge Clinton Portis fan. I’m glad he is on the Redskins team. I’m glad that we are going to keep him a Redskin for the foreseeable future. I do not believe that there is no clear difference and/or drop off between having Portis in the backfield as compared to our other running backs. In my mind, there is a huge drop off. But, while I acknowledge and accept the value that CP has on the team, I would rather we not made that trade, except for one key factor. To me, it is more valuable to have a lock down cornerback than it is to have a top flight running back. Defense is what wins championships. That said, Champ Bailey wanted out. He wasn’t happy. So, because of that, we should have traded him. I don’t believe on making players stay where they don’t want to be. I think we paid too much for Clinton, but I’m most happy that we got him. 

Vedder:  Over the last few weeks, we have seen the first stages of the evolution of QB Jason Campbell take place.  Critics jumped on him early saying his delivery was too slow for the West Coast Offense or he wasn’t the right QB period.  What are those critics saying now?

Warmontco:  There has been a thundering silence from Jason Campbell’s critics. Very early on, I wrote about us needing to be patient. I believe most of the noise was created by those who are just interested in having Colt Brennan play. They’re not mature fans, in my opinion. While it was fun to watch Brennan in the preseason playing against guys that aren’t even in the league today, it’s something altogether different to expect him to play, and play effectively right now. Even Coach Zorn has said as much. In fact, I agree with Matt Terl of The Official Redskins Blog in how he put it towards the end of the preseason. He said that he liked watching Colt play, but he didn’t want him taking another snap until the start of next preseason…in 2009!

As for the ‘professional’ critics, well that’s their job. They get paid to create and/or feed controversy. So, they appear to have moved on to find controversy elsewhere, i.e. T.O.’s latest issue in Dallas.

Vedder:  During the off-season, one of the Redskins weaknesses appeared to be their WR core.  They addressed that need by using the draft in selecting WR Devin Thomas and WR Malcolm Kelly.  However, after 4 weeks, neither has barely seen the field.  Are you as a fan disappointed with their involvement and contributions to this point?

Warmontco:  Well, once again, it’s a question of how much value a rookie can actually have at a skill position. It is truly rare, in my opinion, where a rookie can step in and add value right away. On those occasions, the team has found someone special. In our case, I can’t really speak to either one of the three receivers we drafted; Thomas, Kelly; and Davis. Davis has it tough because he plays behind a highly underrated TE in Chris Cooley. Thomas and Kelly had an opportunity to play more by pushing Randle-El and James Thrash to reserve roles. I still believe that may happen by the end of the year for Thomas, as long as he stays healthy. As for Kelly, well you can’t make the highlights if you’re sitting in the tub. No player has control over injuries. But, to a degree, I believe that Kelly in particular may have enjoyed a better transition to the NFL if he had a stronger off-season training program. That said; they kept him off of IR because they thought he might contribute this year. And, he just may…later. But even if he doesn’t, no worries…they’ll get him in shape for next season.

Vedder:  What player on the roster excites you most so far this season?  You have been pretty clear on your past Die Hard Redskin posts that you are enjoying the play so far of Safety Chris Horton.

Warmontco:  “The Predator” is fierce. I love watching him play. Aside from him, I have to be honest and say that I am most thrilled watching Jason Campbell come into his own. I only hope that he continues in his progression and takes a place among the leagues elite QB’s.

Vedder:  Regarding DE Jason Taylor, does he have anything left in the tank and are you concerned the Skins gave up too much to acquire him? 

Warmontco:  Contrary to what many believe, there is a HUGE difference in how to play LEFT defensive end, as opposed to RIGHT defensive end. Taylor created his legend playing Right DE. He played it for a number of years. In doing so, he got comfortable…more than comfortable. It’s a completely opposite technique that must be employed on the Left side. It sounds easy, i.e. just put your opposite hand down, and move your opposite foot forward in your stance. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth. So, I don’t believe he will be as dominant playing on the Left side as he could be playing on the Right side. That said, I still think he will be better than many Right side DE’s in the league. He still has ‘gas in the tank.’ Although he hasn’t registered many sacks yet, he is still impacting the game with his smart, head’s up play. We had a need. He was available. It was a good trade.

Vedder:  If you could change one thing now to improve the Redskins even further, what would that be?

Warmontco:  I had to think about this for a minute. In my mind, we need the biggest improvement in our Punt Return game.  Randle-El has been effective in the past, but I believe that either he needs to do it exclusively without playing receiver, or the coaches need to allow someone else to do it. I don’t think any team is afraid of punting to us because Randle-El is not the threat that he may once have been.

Vedder:  I think the Redskins shocked the NFL last week with their performance and victory against the Dallas Cowboys.  When the 2008 Redskins season is over, do you think you and other Skins fans will look back and say that this was the game that set the tone for the rest of the year?  Are you worried now that the Redskins won this game, they will be content with their achievement and ‘fall asleep at the wheel’ for less provocative match-ups?

Warmontco:  No such thing in the NFC East, with one exception. Last year, the New York Giants benefited from a goal line stand against the Redskins. That one game instilled a sense of renewed determination and the proper mindset which allowed them to win it all. That exception aside, and generally speaking, I don’t believe any one game between NFC rivals amounts to season changing trends. However, if T.O. implodes in Dallas, as recent comments and indicators suggest, then we may all sit back and look at last weeks game as the one that took the heart out of the Cowboys.

Vedder:  What match-ups this week favor each team?  What concerns do you have as a Redskins fan playing against Philly?

Warmontco:  There is no other team in the NFC East that concerns me more than the BEagles. The match-ups are across the board. Our offense against the BEagle defense, and vice versa. I believe this will be a very defensive ‘flavored’ match-up. That said; it will be fun for me to watch the match-up on the outside between DeSean Jackson and our secondary, in particular LaRon Landry who will cover against the deep pass. Landry is only a step or two slower than Jackson. But, he can bring the pain and make any receiver second guess how much to extend for the ball. 

Vedder:   What is your prediction for this week’s heated match-up between my beloved Philadelphia Eagles and your stinky, smelly Redskins?

Warmontco:  I’m an optimist. And when it comes to the Redskins, I’m a biased optimist. Redskins win 13-7.  

Vedder:  Thanks for joining us today Warmontco.  I have one final thing to say to you as we look forward to Sunday’s game:  “”E-A-G-L-E-S!!  EAGLES!!”

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Let’s get it done!

They deserve it.

Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis are up for FedEx Air and Ground Player of the Week, respectively. In order for Campbell to win, we have to overcome the the unbelievable ’sick’ performance of Brett Favre this week.

Head Coach Jim Zorn is nominated as Motorola Coach of the Week.

And “The Predator,” Chris Horton is nominated as the Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week.

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I don’t know about the rest of Redskins nation, but I slept like a baby!! There is nothing better to start of the work week than a good, resounding victory. Even more so, a victory over the hated Dallas Cowboys.

Any style of victory would have suit me just fine. But, the manner in which the Redskins beat the Cowboys has me floating on a cloud. Consider for a moment the key indicators.

The High Powered Offense of the Cowboys -

I’m not going to make any disparaging remarks about their offense. I respect them. They have some talented players. But, most importantly, I believe their offensive line is top notch. That said however, our defense stepped up huge yesterday. First, and foremost, we shut down their run game. They knew it. And, in short order, they abandoned that aspect of their game. In the end, Marion Barber ran for only 26 yards on eight carries. It was noted here earlier in my PreGame Thoughts that when Barber gets more than eleven carries, the Cowboys are an incredible 22-1.

So, the question is already being asked amongst the pundits. Why did Dallas abandon the running game? Well, let me offer my two cents. Marion Barber is a beast. He is a big, strong back with a very high sense of balance. But, he’s slow. Our defense ran him down. More specifically, except on one or two occassions, he couldn’t generate enough momentum to break through the line and gobble up the yards, like he is capable of doing. If the Cowboys start to play Felix Jones more as the season progresses, they will add a dynamic to their offense at the running back position that all teams need: SPEED!

Terrell Owens, naturally, has a different perspective. During his interviews after the game, he seems to be in late season form suggesting that the Dallas offense is all about him.

“It’s no secret, when I get involved, we move the chains. When I don’t, we’re more stagnant in our offense,” Owens said.

Well, what T.O. is not acknowledging is that Shawn Springs played his ‘boohooty’ off yesterday. When he left the game with leg cramps, I admit that I cringed. On television, they had a close up of T.O. speaking to Tony Romo. It was possible to read his lips when he said, “I got him,” speaking of Carlos Rogers. He was licking his chops to go against Rogers.

Well, that didn’t work out for T.O. either. On one drive, late in the game, they attempted three consecutive throws to T.O.; all fell incomplete. T.O. is great receiver. But sometimes, his emotion, or more accurately, the lack of attention his emotion perceives, takes him out of the game. In the end, he only had 71 yards on seven catches.

Matt Mosley reports today that T.O. may have created a new drama in Dallas.

After the game, a Cowboys starter on offense said he thought the team tried too hard to involve T.O. in the second half. It’s not good when a player senses that coaches are calling plays in order to keep a teammate happy. It’s not time to panic if you’re a Cowboys fan, but I’d certainly keep your eye on that situation. It’s a slap in the face to Jason Witten, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin — and especially rookie Felix Jones to freeze them out in order to please T.O.

Tick tock, tick tock…I’m waiting for the explosion to come to big ‘D’.

The Quality of Play of Jason Campbell -

WOW! I also admit that I was a bit nervous for Jason Campbell going into this game. I remember reading how Jim Zorn told Campbell that he had to trust him. Campbell shot back that Zorn needed to trust him, too. Well, it’s time for all of us fans to trust Campbell, even those that were advocating putting a rookie, Colt Brennan, in as the starting QB.

It’s easy to point to Campbell’s yardage and his touchdown throws yesterday. But, by doing so, we would miss something else: his growing ability to move in the pocket, keep the play alive, and make a play to move the chains or, specifically to yesterdays game, exploit Terence Newman downfield.

Campbell played like a QB that was fully focused on the task at hand. He was the field general that the Redskins needed.

Other Things That Made Me Smile -

Watching Terence Newman try to keep up with James Thrash in motion only to slip and the third change of direction. Campbell saw it and hit Thrash in stride for the Redskins first touchdown.

Watching Terence Newman get beat down field by Santana Moss, time after time. He had to consoled on the sidelines by his teammates.

Watching Clinton Portis find some running room (121 yards on 21 carries) and ripping off a nice 31 yard scamper.

Chris Cooley; that man can catch a football! He’s awesome.

Shawn Springs and the difference he makes in the secondary.

Chris “The Predator” Horton, along with Greg Blache that designed the play, running underneath the pass pattern for the only interception of the game. What a great story he is.

The offensive line met a formidable foe in the front four of the Cowboys defense. They gave up two sacks, but it could have been a much longer day. Well done.

Seeing Jon Jansen play again. He’s the best back up tackle in the league.

Jim Zorn. His arrival as a head coach may not have come as early as he would have liked, but from a Redskins perspective, it was right on time.

Things That Made Me Cringe -

Casey Rabach. Seriously?!?! Two nullifed touchdowns in a row on the same drive. What’s up with that?

Hail to the Redskins!

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Both teams showed their defensive strength early in the game. It was nothing short of an NFC East knock down fight with the Redskins emerging victorious.

1st Quarter -

Redskins first drive stalls after a false start penalty by Lorenzo Alexander, follwed by a dropped pass by Santana Moss. Cowboys first drive begins at their 10-yard line with a couple of first downs before they are forced to punt. Both teams continued to show high energy. But, defense set the tone.

On the Redskins third possession, the Cowboys entire defensive line met at the quarterback, Jason Campbell, for the second sack of the game. On the Cowboys ensuing drive, Patrick Crayton catches a long ball against Carlos Rogers to drive deep into the Redskins territory. On a subsequent play, Carlos Rogers is called for holding, which gave the Cowboys another set of downs. On the very next play, Tony Romo connects with Jason Witten for a touchdown down the middle over Marcus Washington.

Score: Cowboys, 0-7

2nd Quarter -

Redskins drive deep into the Cowboys territory. They finish the drive with a touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to James Thrash to tie the game.

After a short series and punt by the Cowboys, the Redskins drive inside the Cowboys five-yard line. On third-and-goal, Jason Campbell avoids the pass rush and throws a touchdown to Antwaan Randle-El to take the lead.

After another three-and-out series by the Cowboys, the Redskins open up their series with a long pass completion to Santana Moss from Jason Campbell placing the Redskins inside the Cowboys ten-yard line. On third-and-goal from the two-yard line, fail to convert and settle for a field-goal.

With under two minutes left in the first half of the game, the Cowboys drive the length of the field for a field-goal with five seconds remaining.

Score: Redskins, 17-10

3rd Quarter -

The Dallas Cowboys tie the game on their first series of the second half with a quick slant to Terrell Owens from Tony Romo.

On the Redskins next series, Clinton Portis rips a 31-yard run on third-down and two in order to keep the drive alive. After another big catch by Santana Moss, take the ball to the Cowboys 6-yard line. A touchdown run by Portis is negated by Casey Rabach, which put the Redskins all the way back to the 16-yard line. On third and goal, a touchdown pass by Jason Campbell is negated, once again by Casey Rabach. On third and goal, the Redskins fail to convert. They barely make the field goal.

The third quarter finishes with a nice interception by Chris “The Predator” Horton to give the ball back to the Redskins.

Score: Redskins, 20-17

4th Quarter -

Chris Cooley has two key catches to keep the Redskins drive alive. On third and four, at the Cowboys 15 yard line, Santana Moss can’t hold on to the rocket pass from Jason Campbell. Redskins kick a field goal to extend their lead.

After another strong defensive stand and subsequent punt by Dallas, the Redskins advance the ball down the field on the back of Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. On third and two from the Cowboys 19 yard line, Ladell Betts gets another first down for the Redskins with less than five minutes left in the game.

After taking seven minutes off the clock, the Redskins extend their lead with a field goal by Shaun Suisham.

Cowboys take the ball at their 14 yard line and drive the length of the field for a touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Miles Austin. The Cowboys were unable to convert an onside kick. The Redskins kneel to run out the clock.

Score: Redskins, 26-24

Wrap-Up:

• Jason Campbell was 20/31 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His QB rating was 108.4
• Clinton Portis rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries; almost six yards per carry.
• Santana Moss was the leading WR of the game. He had eight catches for 145 yards, but no touchdowns.
• Shaun Suisham was 4/4 on field goals. His longest was from 33 yards out.
• Durant Brooks punted very well. His average was over 46 yards, which includes a 60 yarder, and two punts inside the 20.
• Carlos Rogers led the team in tackles. The Redskins scored no sacks against Tony Romo.
• London Fletcher forced one fumble.

NFL.com Game Center Post Game is attached.

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I read the other day on D.C. Sports Blog that Fred Smoot gave Chris Horton a new nickname. It was something really lame like replacing the ‘C’ in Chris, with a ‘K’. I have no idea what the value of that could be.

A nickname is supposed to conjure up a visual representation of the player’s style and manner of play. So, this morning, I was reading Brian Murphy’s Homer McFanboy where he speaks of his next door neighbor, also offers a nice interview with Horton. Apparently, this kid from next door, a.k.a. “neighbor kid,” isn’t even a football fan. Rather, he’s a kid that is into the arts and music, and stuff.

Well, a couple of weeks back, during Saints week, one thing led to another and while Murph was at the game, neighbor kid watched the game with Murph’s wife.

Upon seeing Chris Horton play, coupled with Horton’s hairstyle, which is a full head of twists, as opposed to braids, ‘neighbor kid’ said to Murph’s wife that Horton looked like the “Predator” with the way his hair stuck out from under his helmet.

“He looks like the Predator,” said neighbor kid. “That hair makes him look like a complete badass.”

Now, I realize that in our politically incorrect world, there could be a mistaken, stereotypical association to the other world, alien beast that ravaged Arnold Schwarzenegger’s entire Special Forces team in the movie by the same name of 1987. But, that would be a mistake and unfortunate. Rather, what we have here is a real opportunity to create some fun in the same spirit of calling five men a bunch of ‘Hogs.’

Chris Horton flys around the field and makes plays. He plays like a predator that is hungry for the ball. It’s that simple. And, when you pause to think about it, that is the proper state of mind for any defensive player. Chris Horton is a predator for the ball. I didn’t say *the* alien predator from the movie. Rather, his manner and style of play is like that of a predator.

Can this work as his new nickname? I like it.

Someone should ask Chris, though.

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You know, when I was growing up in Silver Spring, MD, we used to say all the time, when the Skins when, it makes the upcoming week go so much better. Well, not much has changed.

There is much I could say about the second half. I could talk about how it appears Jason Campbell took a major step forward. Naysayers would say, no he didn’t. He just had the opportunity to have Santana Moss playing against a rookie. But, it was a huge heads-up play to audible at the line of scrimmage when he saw the matchup he wanted, and executed it even while under strong pressure from the Saints rush. You could almost see a sense of relief from Jason as the ball fell safely from the sky into the waiting arms of Moss. It was beautiful. I wonder if he heard his coaches words in his ear during the play: “Avoid, reset, and throw.” He was 24 of 36 for 321 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers!! Hail, Jason.

I could also speak about Clinton Portis. He had a strong game. He has not had the flashy, home run scamper yet. But, where Ladell Betts would get a few yards, Portis has the vision to get a few and more yards. He had 21 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns; both of which were fantastic examples of using his vision and agility. Hail, Clinton.

And, I should also mention Chris Cooley. Remember, earlier this week I said it would be Cooley to win the matchup against Jeremy Shockey. Mission accomplished. Cooley had five receptions for 72 yards. As for Shockey, two catches for 22 yards, less a critical fumble to start the game. Cooley is a weapon that we should continue to showcase.

The defense was fantastic today. They held the Saints to 55 total yards rushing, and only 216 yards passing. If my math skills haven’t faded too bad since graduating from Montgomery Blair H.S., Campbell had more yards than the entire Saints team. That is a testament to some serious thumping from our defense.

LaRon Landry played some really good defense too, especially on two back to back pass plays that denied the Saints of extending their lead. But, more so than anything else, the one thing I must speak about is Chris Horton. The rookie was all over the field today with interceptions, recovering fumbles, and making a key tackle to stop the Saints short of a first down in the fourth quarter, and thus forcing them to punt. I’m sure Greg Blache will find something wrong with his game tomorrow.

But today, Chris Horton gets the Die Hard Redskins Game Ball.

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1st Quarter

Very first impression: I love the fact that the New Orleans Saints allowed us to have the ball first. I know what Coach Sean Payton was thinking. He wanted to shut our offense down in the first possession. But, that didn’t happen. We got more first downs in the opening drive than we did the entire game last week against the New York Giants. I don’t what happened on the field goal attempt, but at the very least, we have improved.

As for the defense: Chris Horton!!! Wow. The kid got the start today over Reed Doughty, who called out sick today. Horton simply comes in and has a fumble recovery, and interception, and a key tackle. The rest of the squad played exceptional in my opinion. We’ve thus far shut down both Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. In fact, the Saints finished the quarter with zero yards rushing. It’s just one quarter, but I’m excited. Clearly, we’ve improved.

However, if I may, as I said last week, our running game still has vast room for improvement. I don’t like it.

2nd Quarter

Jason Taylor gets his first sack!!!

The euphoria didn’t last as we shot ourselves in the foot with a Antwaan Randle-El fumble on a punt return. That, in return, allowed the Saints to get their first score. On our ensuing possession, we once again failed to get a touchdown. And, just like a “young” team, we muffed our second field goal of the day. Still, it’s encouraging to not look as inept from the week before. It’s not enough, though. By any measure of the word, it’s definitely not enough.

Chris Cooley has shown up today. And, as I predicted, thus far he is outperforming Jeremy Shockey. Specifically, Cooley’s had a few catches and a good, tough run after the catch. The last offensive drive of the half by the Skins however, was puzzling. Not just to me, but it was also puzzling to the commentators of the game. Either Coach Jim Zorn is still trying to figure out the right play to call in the two-minute offense. Or, the offense is still struggling to execute the plays. Or maybe, it’s a little bit of both.

Jason Campbell looks so much better this week. But, he’s still holding on to the ball a bit too long on occassion. He should take notes from Brees. He is such a good QB. With less than a minute on the clock, Brees took the Saints down the field in order to kick a 49 yard field goal. Saints take the lead, again: 10-9.

Overall, this game, from the Redskins perspective, can be summed up thus far as lost opportunities. We’ve had a number of opportunities to score touchdowns. But, as it stands, we’re only three of five for field goals.

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