Redskins @ Falcons - Fourth Quarter Thoughts
The good news first this time: the Redskins actually found a recipe for some success, a combination of quick passes and slashing runs, and also showed some actual heart and determination to make this into a real ballgame. Ladell Betts was finding holes that Clinton Portis has been slow to get to, and Jason Campbell looked sharp again finishing off a second long scoring drive with a pass to Todd Yoder in the back of the end zone.
It felt, for the first time in a long time, like the Redskins were a cohesive football team and a legitimate threat to move the ball as needed.
Unfortunately it all fell apart for an all-to-familiar reason: missed tackles by the defense, notably LaRon Landry going low on a 58 yard touchdown run by Michael Turner.
One other thing that impressed me from this quarter was Campbell's determination. It would've been very easy for him to stay on the sidelines with his ankle injury -- his second injury of a day that was not the finest this offensive line has ever seen -- and that's exactly what most people in the press box were suggesting that he do. Instead he came back in for what turned out to be the final drive, despite the fact that his mobility was obviously limited.
It was the kind of leader-ish move that Campbell's critics often say he doesn't make, and it represented a bright spot in yet another depressing loss. And at least the second half offered a glimmer of hope. That first half was as terrible to watch as anything else we've seen this year.
I guess the good news in all of the injuries is that some young guys are going to have to get some work, but everyone please remember: Colt Brennan is on injured reserve and not available, so let's head that inevitable suggestion off at the pass.
So here's where things stand now: Portis is coming off a likely concussion and will need to be monitored. Campbell has a possible high ankle sprain. Mike Williams has a sprained ankle. Reed Doughty -- another standout all season -- has a knee sprain. The team is 2-6. And next week the Denver Broncos are coming to FedExField.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
11-08-2009 @ 4:58PM
Jim Burneti said...
I thought the guys played hard - right up to the level of their capabilities. I think we should show our appreciation to Vinny for assembling such an enthusiastic group. Redskins Late Night tapes Tuesday nights at Gordon Biersch in Tysons Corner, 6-8 PM. Everyone ought to show up and express their appreciation - tee shirts allowed????
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11-08-2009 @ 5:13PM
ksshipe said...
Thought Campbell looked Ok once we got away from a complicated offense. Thought Collins played well and should start...he gets it out of there so much quicker. It was nice to see a guy love who loves to run...Betis over Portis...Portis is to rich to care and doesn't have the passion he once did. At Miami portis would play with a broken leg in a big game. He still has the best eyes of all the backs but does not run as hard any more. 30 million adds to that. I like Mitchell! Go skins!
11-08-2009 @ 5:06PM
pamie21 said...
I don't think the Redskins played to their full potential today. They have only won 2 games. What in the world is going on wit this TEAM!!!!!!
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11-08-2009 @ 5:16PM
jdelgallo said...
i get tired of reading on this site that campbell is doing things right, and that he's a real leader and people dont understand. His stats are OK, but if you watch the game you know campbell is a backup at best, maybe a starter on a team like oakland. He misses wide open receivers, he doesnt see what's going to be open before it is, which is why he gets sacked so much. collins comes in and doesnt miss a throw, doesnt get sacked. why take him out? because campbell can make plays with his feet? he has a messed up ankle! i love me skins to death but i'm tired of this.
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11-08-2009 @ 11:17PM
Smm9d said...
I agree, he is playing like this is not is 3rd or 4th season! I say put Collins in! They need to take a page from the Titans and put in another QB!
11-09-2009 @ 1:40PM
Ned said...
2 points:
1) Don't understand what the fuss is about Collins. Not sure how people believe he takes fewer sacks. We tried him and got zero improvement.
2) Look what happened to Cassel. Everyone wanted to hold his jock on the Patriots, and now Campbell is better than him in every measurable way. Quarterbacks can't do it all themselves.
11-08-2009 @ 5:31PM
buloboix28 said...
Matt you should give that pick to yodes, that was a sweet catch!
I hope we can start expecting good play calling like there was in the second half...I like how the rookies got alot of good play but still didnt make a huge impact because of the line
and Betts as always came through very nice
WE HAD A TWO BACK SYSTEM WITH BETTS AND ROCK!!!
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11-08-2009 @ 5:41PM
fsaunders said...
As stated in a previous post - the "2nd rated pass defense" was greatly assisted by the inability of the rush D to avoid getting run over. Michael Turner - 166 yds!!!
Don't think MeAngelo needs to practice tackling? Check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVkfLvSpGrA
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11-08-2009 @ 5:43PM
slimshady59ers said...
campbell stats look good,but he's a back up at best...not sure what zorn sees in him but collins looks better then campbell in there and make better decisions...they need to start him if they wanna get back to winning the campbell days should be over...
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11-08-2009 @ 5:45PM
B said...
This time it was definitely penalties and the defense that lost us this game. When the offense finally had some momentum the defense give up a big run. Maybe they really should practice tackling. Of course we started out terrible as usual and began a comeback in the second half. Once Campbell had some decent protection he was looking pretty good. And I like his determination. He was getting blasted out there but refused to stay on the sideline. Collins looked so so for his limited time out there. They ran the ball mostly with him at QB. Campbell is still better off starting. I'm pretty sure if Collins was the starter the opposing defense would have like 10 sacks, especially since yet another offensive lineman got hurt even though that one isn't real serious. I love the fact that Marko Mitchell was finally getting involved and I hope they keep that up. Betts definitely seems to run a bit better than Portis so he should get a lot more reps.
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11-08-2009 @ 5:48PM
fsaunders said...
MeAngelo does do a helluva job "NBA fighting" the Falcons coaching staff, though...
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81406160/Melee-in-Atlanta
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11-08-2009 @ 6:11PM
foster87 said...
how can you guys say Jason played well. i completely agree with jdelgallo, his stats are descent but the only reason they aren't terrible is because they have the desperation drives at the end of all the games. he doesn't deserve any credit for anything but making this team awful. he just plays like ass the whole game so the team is losing and then just pads his stats at the end of the game, so he has some chance of getting picked by some team. because he definitely wont be playing for us next year.
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11-08-2009 @ 6:09PM
debbie shipp said...
the only good thing about being laid off from work right now is that i don't have to go in on monday's and listen to CRAP about a CRAPPY TEAM!! i'm so tired of making excuses for this team right now!! i was really glad to see Marko Mitchell get to play let it CONTINUE!!!! PLEASE this week go ahead and let Collins work with the first team offense!! what's the worse that could happen?? WE LOSE?? give Collins a chance! he's stilll a much better QB than jc!! we need to go with the no huddle more often and when we have 4th and inches fake the pass and let the QB FALL FORWARD!!!! it can't hurt to try!! don't what's wrong with Portis this year keep Betts in!! the O LINE NEEDS TO SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER (if we have enough guys to go around) besides just practice together!! back in the GOOD OLD DAYS (W/ RIGGO,GRIMM,JACOBY ETC.) they did that!! maybe JC should offer to buy everyone a huge steak dinner if they will protect him( he needs to take care of them too )!!!!!!!!1
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11-08-2009 @ 6:18PM
foster87 said...
with how Jason's playing he shouldn't have enough money to buy a steak dinner. i agree with the practicing thing too. if they would actually practice we might be good and there wouldn't be 10 guys laying on the field every game. another reason they suck is because all of them are all distracted with the TV shows and interviews half the team does 5 times a week. they get on the shows all happy and excited after they lose to garbage teams and it looks like they don't even care. it's like this team is losing because they want publicity.
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11-08-2009 @ 6:31PM
fsaunders said...
foster87...
the 2 things are mutually exclusive. They can't live without the publicity, the losing is merely secondary.
Of course, they're a reflection of their owner.
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11-08-2009 @ 6:53PM
jrforbes3 said...
I thought that the Redskins played very hard in the second half. The Betts/Cartright combo was impressive. Yoder had a great catch in the end zone. There are a lot of critics of Jason Campbell, but I believe he also had a very good second half behind an offensive line that is not NFL caliber. The second half shows that the SKINS have potential (some heart) and had an opportunity to beat a very good team today, but the "high priced" defense couldn't tackle - specifically - MEANGELO. Lets put players out there who really want to play. Meangelo is not a true Redskin player...maybe we can trade him for a 6 round pick...if we're lucky
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11-08-2009 @ 7:12PM
dongki13 said...
Can we FINALLY accept that the Redskins SUCK!
Stop posting positive crap about this team. This includes you too Matt T.
Accept this for what it is. They SUCK! There's no talent on this team! Why do people keep saying there's talent on this team?
Defense sucks and offense sucks. Who cares about what the stats say.
Boycott anything Redskins.
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11-08-2009 @ 7:28PM
Paul said...
Matt, I'll bet it is truly fun to see Vinny during the work week, knowing ol bug eyes is a dead man walking.. Watching him squirm in the owners box and knowing his days are limited and he WILL BE OUT OF THE NFL after this year.. I'll take as many losses as it takes just to see Vinny get it at years end. What a disater that hack put together.. Oh I forgot, he put a playoff team together... I hope someone pushed him out of the plane on the way back. I also hope his kids are picked on at school
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11-08-2009 @ 7:33PM
dready1rasta said...
Paul....as long as The Danny has "business obligations" to his lenders who helped him scrape together the BIG $$$$ to buy the team Vinny ain't goin' nowhere.....capiche?
11-08-2009 @ 7:24PM
curlysrevenge said...
Guys,
It's time to face some harsh realities. The skins are a BAD team with ineffective leadership and most of all zero Desire to win. Snyder taking duck and cover actions like banning posters only shows the weakness goes all the way to the owner. This game exemplifies all of the above. It is time for the skins players to simply say "its time to play football at 100%, I will do my job and NOT worry about anyone else." Instead of starting sideline melees with falcons members, PLAY FOOTBALL PLEASE. People can respect a dedicated game that falls short. What people are tiring of, is the 'we lose' mentality the team exhibits week in. Stop thinking, start playing and let the chips fall where they may. You might just find another W or 2 in the mix
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