Friends and family,
Skinscast would like to take a moment and wish all of you a joyful holiday season. The Redskins’ season may not have turned out the way we wanted it, but our great listeners made 2010 the best year yet for Skinscast.
On behalf of the Skinscast family; Brian Reffkin, Brian Murphy, Jack Anderson, Brad Baker, JC, the writers, and me – Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and God bless.
John Pappas
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The new Hail! magazine is out, and it is awesome.
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Do it now. Hurry up.
The good and bad that made up the Redskins’ overtime loss to the Texans
By John Pappas
Skinscast Editor
Let the record state that when the game ended, the Washington Redskins lost to the Houston Texans, 30-27.
The result is clear, and not particularly surprising. After all, Houston beat Washington in almost every statistical area; passing, rushing, total yards, first downs, third down efficiency, fourth down efficiency, and time of possession. Beyond the stats, few expected the Redskins to win, let alone compete with a Texans’ team that dismantled the Indianapolis Colts just one week prior. Especially when you consider that Washington managed only six points offensively against Dallas.
But a closer examination will reveal that not only was Washington in the game, they had it won and gave it away repeatedly. The Redskins were surprisingly effective Sunday on offense, amassing hundreds of yards themselves, moving the ball and making big plays. And but for a few key mistakes, they win. In fact, it took a series of calamities for Houston to overcome Washington in the extra period.
A lot happened on the way to 947 total yards and 57 points combined. For Redskins fans, it was a bad news/good news deal. On the one hand, the team gave up the improbable comeback while a single play at various points could have cinched the win. On the other, the offense came alive for the first time in a long time, and could be a sign of things to come.
What went right – the passing game
Anyone still wondering why you make the trade for Donovan McNabb? If so, consider 28-of-38 for 426 yards, and a touchdown for a quarterback rating of 119.0. Washington had seven plays of 20 or more yards, all passes. McNabb had two completions of 62 yards, a first in his career. And but for an overthrow/dropped catch in the end zone by Joey Galloway, we are looking at an all-star performance for the win.
By John Pappas
Skinscast Editor
Well that wasn’t supposed to happen. The script has always been that the Redskins play a little better for three quarters of the game, build the slightest of leads, only to see Dallas drive late to steal the win.
Don’t believe us? Just look at last year, when the Redskins beat the crap out of Dallas for three quarters, built a 6-0 lead, then lost it on a last minute touchdown drive. Anyone remember 2004, when rookie Sean Taylor allowed Patrick Crayton by to catch the 39-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Vinny Testaverde that resulted in a 13-10 loss? This mind you, on 4th down with no timeouts. And how about 1999, when Dallas scored three 4th quarter touchdowns to beat Washington 41-35?
In fact, we pointed out elsewhere how of the last 12 first season matches between these teams, 11 were decided by one score or less. And eight were won by the Cowboys.
So it was fitting to see the tables turned Sunday night, with Washington walking away with the win on the final play to beat Dallas 13-7. Washington did just enough, and held on just long enough, to get the win against their fiercest rival to start the season.
Sweet victory for Redskins fans.
But the win was built on individual performances, good and bad. This is where we pull back the curtain and take a hard look.
DeAngelo Hall – Hot
Hall has got to get top billing in this assessment. He is the reason Washington won the game. There are football players, and there are playmakers. Hall is the latter.
Check out "King of Clubs, The Great Golf Marathon of 1938," the fantastic new book by long-time Redskins beat writer Jim Ducibella.
Check out Vivid Seats for the best cheap NFL tickets. They have a full inventory of NFL playoff tickets and Super Bowl tickets that will take you through the season.
'Washington Redskins: The Complete Illustrated History' by David Elfin is must-have reading for every hardcore fan of the Washington Redskins. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Costco and more.
