Die Hard Sports Fan

Wednesday morning; time to get back to work. We have a game this weekend against the St. Louis Rams. The Redskins are 4-1; the Rams 0-4. It sounds like a cake walk.

So, why is Redskins nation so nervous?

At half-time, during the New York Giants game to start the season, you could smell the rubber burning as all Redskin nation fans had their mind racing back and forth about so many things, like is Jason Campbell the right QB for this team, or was the offensive line getting too old, or was Clinton Portis fighting a losing battle trying to run against eight-man fronts. But, that was a long time ago.

Today, all Redskins fans, and especially the owner, Dan Snyder, are feeling euphoric, over four straight wins.

Moreover, because those wins came against the dreaded rivals of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, fans far and wide have rejoiced in unison. In the past 24 hours, this Die Hard Redskins Fan site has seen fans come from as far east as Melbourne, Australia and as far west as Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as points in between, including Oman, Greece, and Spain. Everyone, it seems is ready to believe.

But, here come the St. Louis Rams.

The St. Louis Rams have a new coach after firing the one they began the season with. They have their QB, Marc Bulger, back in the starting position after he was benched in desperation by the aforementioned former coach. They, and the rest of the team, remain perfect in a winless season with one very key, and common denominator: they all have something to prove.

The offensive world of the St. Louis Rams revolves around Stephen Jackson. He is their leading rusher *and* receiver. Thus, naturally, he leads their team in total yardage. Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Redskins defense should focus on stopping Jackson and the Redskins would win the game.

But, this Die Hard Redskin Fan says, “not so fast.”

Given a moment to think about it, every Redskins fan can remember who the offensive coordinator for the team was for the past two years; Al Saunders. This is the same Al Saunders who is now the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams.

For two years, day after day during practice sessions, he became, by the nature of repetition, an expert in the defensive coverage skills of each of our entire secondary. I’d bet dollars to donuts that he could rattle off the five key flaws of Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot; maybe even ten for Carlos Rogers. Further, I’d be even more confident that he knows exactly how to move LaRon Landry out of position to create a deep strike down the field.

If the Redskins key on Stephen Jackson, Al Saunders will most assuredly attack deep down field. Though the Rams may not have been successful as of yet against other teams, Al Saunders has much more experience and knowledge of the Redskins that would enable him to call a more effective game, and find our vulnerabilities.

In short, this week’s game will be a challenge. Not just because of Saunders knowledge of our defense, but also because of the natural human tendency for the Redskins to take a mental holiday.

I recall, in college, graduate school, and even here in Corporate America, preparing for a big test, or a presentation to executive management. There is a palpable rush of energy that fills each of us when faced with challenging situations. It’s often referred to as the “adrenaline rush.”

The Redskins have had four straight weeks of the adrenaline rush that culminated last week with a huge win against the Philadelphia Eagles, in Philadelphia!

So, now what?

It’s called the “adrenaline FLUSH.”

After climbing the mountain, or escaping the attack of the mountain lion, human beings experience the adrenaline flush, which is a malaise of physical ability to move and respond. It is more commonly referred to as fatigue; specifically in this case, “emotional fatigue.”

The measure of Jim Zorn as a coach will be determined this week, more so than any of the other five weeks. Along those lines, the players speak about staying “medium.” I understand.

But, show us!

Hail to the Redskins.

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The best part of yesterday’s game between the Giants and the Rams was the final score which was 41-13. The Road Warriors went out to St. Louis seeking their 11th consecutive road win, and 12th if you include the Super Bowl. The G-MEN dominated the Rams in every way except for points during most of the game.

Offense

Eli Manning had a solid game as he went 20/29 which is a 68.96% completion percentage and threw for 260 yards and 3 TDs. Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress both were key contributors in the Giants aerial attack as they combined for over 150 receiving yards. The ‘running back by committee’ had a solid outing as they combined for over 200 yards. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward wore down the Rams’ defense. In the 4th Quarter, Ahmad Bradshaw ran into the end zone untouched once for a 31-yard TD run. The Bradshaw TD run was beautiful to watch because nobody got a hand on him. With all of that said, the Rams were able to keep the Giants from not getting into the end zone too much until the 4th Quarter when the Giants torched them for 3 TDs, one of which was a defensive touch down. The Giants’ offense put up 28 of the 41 points.

Defense

Big Blue was able to apply pressure on Marc Bulger all day. Justin Tuck was a beast as usual and finished the day with 3 Tackles, 2 Sacks, and 1 Interception that he returned for a Touch Down. Fred Robbins also had 2 Sacks which were his first sacks of the season. Antonio Pierce and Jay Alford also got to Bulger once. I really enjoyed the AP sack also because nobody even touched him as he went right up the middle. The Rams’ offense was unable to stop the Giants’ defense. The Giants’ defense put up 7 of the 41 points.

Special Teams

John Carney was 2/2 in Field Goal Attempts. Domenik Hixon was solid returning Kickoffs and Punts. The Giants’ special teams put up 6 of the 41 points.

So the Giants won their first two games. Big Blue turned this one into a blow out. You would’ve never known how close this game was in the 4th Quarter by looking at the final score. Next on the schedule are the Cincinnati Bengals.

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The Giants kept the Rams in the game as they only held a 7 point lead early in the 4th Quarter before they put up 21 4th Quarter points giving the Jints their second win of the 2008 Regular Season.

1st Quarter

The Giants scored first on their second possession as Manning marched them 64 yards down the field, and then Eli Manning capped off the drive with a 33-yard Touch Down pass to a wide open Plaxico Burress in the middle of the end zone with 8:51 remaining.

2nd Quarter

The Rams scored on their second possession as well as Bulger marched them 77 yards down the field before Josh Brown made a 54-yard Field Goal Attempt with 14:13 remaining.

With 8:14 remaining, the Giants scored again on their third possession when John Carney made a 39-yard Field Goal Attempt.

Fred Robbins sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 13 yards on 3rd and 8 with 6:54 remaining which led to a Rams punt.

On the Giants’ next possession, Howie Long’s son, Chris Long, got his first NFL sack when he sacked Eli Manning on 3rd and 8 for an 8-yard loss with 5:21 remaining.

Justin Tuck and Fred Robbins sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 7 yards with 4:29 remaining.

Antonio Pierce joined the party by sacking Marc Bulger for a 9-yard loss with 3:14 remaining.

With 1:55 remaining, Josh Brown made a 54-yard Field Goal Attempt to cap off an 53 yard drive by the Rams.

When the Giants were in their 2:00 offense, John Carney drilled a 33-yard Field Goal Attempt with 0:02 remaining.

3rd Quarter

With 8:48 remaining, Eli Manning marched the Giants 97 yards down the field prior to throwing a 10-yard Touch Down pass to Amani Toomer who caught the ball with a man hanging on him in the middle of the end zone.

Victor Adeyanju sacked Eli Manning on 2nd and 17 for a loss of 8 yards with 1:49 remaining.

4th Quarter

Marc Bulger aired out a 45-yard Touch Down pass to Torry Holt who had to wrestle for the ball with Phillips in the end zone and came out the winner with 10:46 remaining.

With 7:18 remaining, Eli Manning countered the Rams’ 4th Quarter Touch Down with one of his own as he completed an 18-yard Touch Down pass to Ahmad Bradshaw on the right side, and Bradshaw ran down the right sideline and into the end zone.

Justin Tuck sacked Marc Bulger for a 6-yard loss with 7:09 remaining.

Marc Bulger had his pass batted down at the line by Justin Tuck who then caught it and returned it for a 46-yard Touch Down with 5:30 remaining.

With 3:23 remaining, Eli Manning handed the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw who ran up the middle and to the left as he went untouched into the end zone for 31-yard Touch Down run.

Jay Alford sacked Marc Bulger for a loss of 7 yards with 3:06 remaining.

David Carr actually took over for Manning after the 2:00 Warning, and Carr took a few knees to wrap this game up.

Wrap Up

Eli Manning went 20/29 and threw for 260 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs.

Brandon Jacobs led in Rushing attempts and yards with 15 and 93 respectively.

Amani Toomer led in Receptions with 6, and Plaxico Burress led in Receiving yards with 81.

Ahmad Bradshaw had 1 TD Catch and 1 TD Run, Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress each had 1 TD Catch. Justin Tuck also had 1 defensive TD.

John Carney went 2/2 in Field Goal Attempts.

Michael Johnson led the team in Tackles with 5.

Fred Robbins and Justin Tuck each had 2 Sacks, and Antonio Pierce and Jay Alford each had 1 Sack.

Justin Tuck had 1 Interception.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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Earlier, I made the case for having patience with regards to Jason Campbell. But, is there a strong case to be made for the urgency of now?

When Dan Snyder bought the team in May, 1999, it would be safe to say that Mr. Snyder felt an overwhelming sense of the urgency of now. He is a man that was and remains accustomed to dancing to the beat of his own drum. And that drum beats to a rhythm that says, “I want what I want, and I want it now!”

One of the first moves he made was to offer the naming rights to the stadium to corporate bidders. He was one of, if not the first owner to do this. Today, it is common place. But, what Snyder is best known for today is his rapid and continuous hiring and firing of head coaches. When he purchased the team, Norv Turner was in place. Who can forget the exuberant Snyder giving Norv a big bear hug that first year? But, soon thereafter, perhaps after losing to the Cowboys (I’m not sure), Turner had to go. Next, in comes Marty Schottenheimer. After one season, he was fired and then came Steve Spurrier. You see, Snyder thought that Schottenheimer’s offense was too boring. It didn’t score enough points. So, I’m sure Mr. Snyder thought that Spurrier would light up the scoreboard, just like he did in college.

Who can remember Spurrier being lit up by the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football and showing his frustration with the longest lip slappin’, fish pucker ever recorded in history. It was no surprise then, that after two years, Spurrier was gone. In comes the return of Joe Gibbs. Moreover, it wasn’t just Joe Gibbs. It was the most expensive coaching staff in the NFL. Having outgrown his penchant for accumulating star players, like Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Mark Carrier, etc., Mr. Snyder assembled an “all-star” coaching staff. It’s what Joe Gibbs wanted and needed in order to be both head coach and president of the team.

Now, much has been written about Gibbs and his second stint with the team. It’s sufficed to say, it wasn’t as successful as most Redskins fans had hoped when he came back to town. Today, we have Jim Zorn. And, contrary to what others in the blogosphere have already suggested, I believe Snyder will stick with Zorn for at least four years. Why? Because if nothing else, I think Snyder learned discipline from Gibbs.

So, what is the benefit of the urgency of now? What have we attained as a team and an organization through our urgency? Not much.

That said, I understand the lack of patience in many fans. It’s been a long time. We’re thirsty, like a man dying in the desert. We’re looking for a tall, cool drink of water that a franchise QB will provide. I don’t know if that QB is Jason Campbell, Colt Brennan, or someone else. But, I’m willing to allow Campbell to at least learn what he’s supposed to be doing before we determine that he can’t do it.

Lastly, recent comments in the blogosphere suggest that Campbell didn’t look that good last year after having multiple years in Al Saunders offense. Well, it should be noted that as late as this past weekend, another notable QB struggled in the same Saunders offense: Marc Bulger. Maybe there is a reason why we released Saunders as a coach. After all, if he was really that good, why was he passed over for the Kansas City Chiefs job.

It has been said, “patience is a virtue.”

But, it has also been said, “time is the fire in which we all burn. And, patience is for those that don’t understand the concept of time.”

Getting it right is a delicate balance between patience and urgency. Right now, however, we need to be disciplined enough to be patient. We’ve planned our work for the future. Now, let’s have the patience to work our plan. This is not to suggest that anyone has an open ticket to take as much time as they need. But, in order to alleviate ourselves from having to second guess our decision later, we deserve the privilege of taking the time to make an intelligent decision, based on a body of knowledge and relevent experience; not just gut feelings.

Hail to the Redskins!

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FLY EAGLES FLY!! The Eagles dominated every where, on offense, on defense, and yes, even special teams:

1^st Quarter:

McNabb started the game with an off target pass, but immediately settled down and led the Eagles to two straight touchdowns and their first two possessions. WR Jason Avant had a nice 3^rd down catch good for a 1^st down on his first reception of the 2008 season. TE LJ Smith showed what a nice Red Zone threat he can be with his first TD of the season.

On Defense, the Eagles looked strong right from the beginning. CB Asante Samuel and DE Darren Howard stood out with helping shut down the Rams offense.

2^nd Quarter:

The Eagles actually had to punt for the first time of the game into the 2^nd Quarter. The Rams QB Marc Bulger continued to look out of rhythm as the Eagles defense continued to frustrate him. RB Steven Jackson was basically taken out of the game, strategy wise with the Eagles jumping on the Rams early, 14-0. Quintin Demps stood out on special teams during punt coverage where he made two terrific plays downing a punt. CB Sheldon Brown put such a solid hit on Steven Jackson that it hurt me more than Jackson. Ouch! WR Hank Baskett scored on a huge 90 yard pass play as the Rams defense looked dazed and confused.

3^rd Quarter:

CB Asante Samuel “almost” scored more points than the Rams Offense did. He had a nice play where he broke on the ball and dropped a sure interception return for a TD. Rookie sensation DeSean Jackson was absolutely brilliant on a punt return, setting up an Eagles TD. FB Tony Hunt lined up as the half-back with DT Dan Klecko leading the way as the FB with Hunt punching it in for a TD.

4^th Quarter:

At 31-0, I was wondering why both the Eagles and the Rams still had their star players in. After the Eagles took a 38-0 lead, McNabb and the starters gave way to the 2^nd string so youngsters Kevin Kolb and company could get some reps in and give the starters a rest. The Rams finally put points on the board with a 46 yard field goal with 9 minutes left in the game.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

Wrap Up:

• The Eagles had not one but two WRs over 100 yards receiving (DeSean Jackson & Hank Baskett).
• Westbrook had two TDs, one receiving and one rushing.
• Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is now 4-6 on opening day games.
• The Eagles now travel to face the Dallas Cowboys next week on Monday Night Football.

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