bubba9497 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Redskins Developing a Penchant For Drama By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=11184 How do you like your football? If it's fantastic finishes, it appears the Washington Redskins are for you. In the Redskins' last six regular season games, dating back to the 2004 season, all six have been decided by three points or less. That, head coach Joe Gibbs was told on Monday, is an NFL record. "That's never been done before in the NFL, so you'd have to say that this team is going to play a lot of close games," Gibbs said. Already this season, all four of the Redskins games have come down to the fourth quarter. In Week 1, the Redskins' defense stifled the Chicago Bears down the stretch, preserving a 9-7 win. Of course, everyone remembers the dramatic, 14-13 come-from-behind win at Dallas in Week. Following the bye, the Redskins defeated the Seattle Seahawks in overtime 20-17. On Sunday, at Denver, the Redskins rallied again, only to fall short 21-19 to the Denver Broncos. This season, Gibbs has noted an elevated intensity level by the team in the fourth quarter. "It's been phenomenal all the way across the board," Gibbs said. "They go after it super hard. Whether it's on offense, defense or special teams, they make key plays when they have to late in the game." On Sunday, the first key fourth-quarter play was by Chris Clemons, who came in and blocked a punt by Denver's Todd Sauerbrun. The Redskins took possession of the ball at the Broncos' 40-yard line with 6:30 left on the game clock. The Redskins sideline erupted after the blocked punt. The Broncos still led the game 21-10 at that point, but it seemed that a momentum shift had occurred. Nick Novak connected on a 36-yard field goal to pull the Redskins to within 21-13. The Redskins' defense forced a three and out on the Broncos' next possession. Brunell then led the Redskins' on a 13-play, 94-yard touchdown drive, capped by an 11-yard pass to H-back Chris Cooley. But a two-point conversion pass attempt was tipped by Denver linebacker Ian Gold and fell incomplete, ending the Redskins rally. Left tackle Chris Samuels said that, in previous years, he has noticed doubt among his teammates on whether the team could come back in games. "I've always felt that we could win, no matter what the situation," Samuels said. "But I'd look around at the other guys and you could see it in their eyes that they weren't too confident. We've cleared those guys out there here and we feel like we can win." Of course, Gibbs would prefer that the Redskins win in more convincing fashion. "I would hope that we could start the game that way," Gibbs said. "Certainly I admire guys the way we fight in that environment, with the crowd, and then we tool the ball the length of the field and give us a chance." But playing close games also means there is little margin for error. The Redskins had 10 penalties for 67 yards against Denver and the offense turned the ball over once, leading to a Broncos touchdown. Receivers also dropped several passes in the game. Novak had a 38-yard field goal blocked. "Our guys have to be smart, understand that, and correct that, if we're going to win those kinds of games," Gibbs said. "I think we're going to play a lot of close games this year. I thin anybody can beat us, and we can probably beat anybody else. That's the way it's going to be." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsFan#1 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 great read, i'm loving the articles coming off redskins.com, but i'm loving the dramatic finishes more (as long as the redskins are winning them) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Gret read. I for one could use a little less of the drama, ( all these close games do nothing for my nerves), but it has been quite the ride so far. On the field and off. Oh. And a correction Gary. The title should read: Redskins and fans Developing a Penchant For Drama By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinzFanatic Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Good read, but my heart (and voice) can not take many more of these last minute wins. I seem to get all sorts of strange looks and comments from my wife when Im yelling at the screen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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