ES Coverage: 2010 Redskins vs Titans (Final)

[NoLeafClover]

ES Coverage: 2010 Redskins vs Titans

11/22/10

VICTORY!!!

Redskins 19 - Titans 16

:helmet:

Hello everyone and welcome. I am your host, Joel, and I'm joined, as always, by murf. We are here in sunny Nashville, Tennessee awaiting today's match up between the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Titans.

Normally, right about now I'd be panicking. It's a short week following a devastating primetime divisional loss and the Redskins are taking on a stout Titans team looking to make short work of them. Washington has suffered a two-game slide and desperately needs to rebound if they hope to salvage this season (or, at the very least, stay around .500).

So, like I said, normally I'd be panicking ... and yet, I feel pretty good right now.

Why am I feeling good right now? Well friends, it's because Nashville, Tennessee is a magical place. Everyone is happy here. Even Albert Haynesworth was seen in the lobby of the team hotel signing autographs and playing with children. It's an incredibly charming and fun city that quickly wears down your defenses and gets you to stop worrying about the woes of your favorite franchise.

While I can't divulge too much information, let me just say that last night's adventures in the city were nothing short of legendary. In the company of a handful of "Redskins types," murf and I did a little bar hopping and a little honky tonking. We had an amazing dinner at Jack's Barbecue, spent some quality time with an Elvis impersonator and watched the UFC Pay-Per-View at a packed bar ... and that was only the beginning of the night.

As the night wore on and we had a bit more liquid courage, we decided to venture off the beaten path of the strip. After wandering around some of the sketchier streets in Nashville, we miraculously ended up in Printer's Alley, which is where the real fun began. We met some colorful locals while enjoying some great live music. A certain Redskin type (who shall remain nameless) had the most fun of all and was seen getting down on the dance floor. It was a memorable evening to say the least.

The only thing that could have made it better was if we had ventured in to the adult establishment offering "nude karaoke" ... yes, that's apparently a thing in Tennessee. Sadly, we were too busy having other madcap adventures to make our way in there, which is a shame since I have so many questions about how, exactly, nude karaoke works. Is everyone nude or is it just the girls on stage? Do you have to take your pants off to sing? Seriously, I need answers.

Last night was truly memorable. Here's hoping that today's game will be equally memorable ... and for the right reasons. Otherwise, if things get out of hand, I may never leave Nashville.

:helmet:

TONIGHT'S INACTIVES

Redskins:

Carlos Rogers

LaRon Landry

Perry Riley

Artis Hicks

Anthony Bryant

Jeremy Jarmon

John Beck (Third QB)

Will Montgomery will start for Artis Hicks.

Clinton Portis will start at running back.

Anderson Russell will start for LaRon Landry.

Phillip Buchanon will start for Carlos Rogers.

Titans:

Kenny Britt

Vincent Fuller

Robert Johnson

Troy Kropog

Ryan Durand

Craig Stevens

Marques Douglass

12:11: PM - The Redskins are wearing white jerseys and gold pants today. Unlike those weird camouflage jerseys Maryland had on last night, they look sharp.

12:31 PM - From Murf's Twitter: Chad Simpson is limping over to cart. Being taken off field. Not good.

12:41 PM - The Titans enter this game with a 12-game winning streak over NFC teams. It is the longest current streak in the NFL. I'm hoping that by mentioning it here, I can jinx them.

12:42 PM - The last time the Redskins played at LP Field was October 6, 2002. In that game, Patrick Ramsey came off the bench to lead a Steve Spurrier coached team to a 31-14 victory.

12:56 PM - Chad Simpson is out of the game with a foot injury.

1:03 PM - Ladies and gentlemen, we are underway ...

1:06 PM - The Redskins with a Norv Turner-style give up run play on third-and-17, followed by a botched punt. That opening drive couldn't have gone much worse. But did I mention how nice of a city Nashville is?

1:08 PM - Lorenzo Alexander forces a fumble, which Phillip Buchanon recovers. That was big.

1:20 PM - After being forced to rekick after offsetting penalties, Marc Mariani takes Hunter Smith's punt 87 yard for a touchdown (a tie for the second longest return in Titans' history). Anderson Russell was injured on the play. 0-7

1:35 PM - Donovan McNabb connects with Santana Moss on a five-yard touchdown pass to cap off an eight play, 79-yard, three minute and 16 second drive. The big play of the drive was a 48-yard pass from McNabb to Moss. 7-7

1:36 PM - Injury updates: Casey Rabach was injured on the last drive. Anderson Russell has a knee injury and his return is questionable.

END OF FIRST QUARTER

7-7

1:48 PM - Rabach and Lorenzo Alexander's returns are both questionable. And now Derrick Dockery is down with a knee injury. This is not good.

1:52 PM - After the Redskins fail to score on third-and-goal from the two, Graham Gano connects on 19-yard field goal. 15 plays, 72 yards, seven minutes and 18 seconds. 10-7

2:07 PM - Rocky McIntosh just got helped off the field. Did someone enact a voodoo curse against the team this morning?

2:11 PM - The Titans tie it up with a 25-yard field goal, which caps off a 13 play, 73 yard, seven minute and seven second drive. 10-10

2:13 PM - Rocky McIntosh has a thigh injury. His return is questionable.

2:22 PM - Chris Cooley was wide open on that play, but Donovan McNabb never saw him. Instead, he tried to force a pass to Joey Galloway, which was picked off by Will Witherspoon.

2:26 PM - Graham Gano misses on a 51-yard field goal, which would have been his career long.

HALFTIME

10-10

2:48 PM - Now DeAngelo Hall is down with an injury.

2:54 PM - Vonnie Holliday with a big third down sack, forcing the Titans to settle for a 32 yard field goal. 11 plays, 66 yards, five minutes and 50 seconds. 10-13

3:04 PM - Graham Gano connects on a 40-yard field goal to tie it up again. The drive went 10 plays, 54 yards and lasted five minutes and 15 seconds. 13-13

3:07 PM - Santana Moss is out with a hamstring injury and his return is questionable. He currently has five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. If he can't come back, that is obviously a big loss for the team.

3:13 PM - A fourth down Randy Moss touchdown is negated when Moss is flagged for pushing off. The Tennessee crowd is pretty livid about the call, but it looks quite blatant from up here.

END OF THIRD QUARTER

13-13

3:31 PM - From Murf's Twitter: If I ran the Titans, I'd give the ball to Chris Johnson every single down. Glad Fisher doesn't feel the same way.

3:36 PM - Rob Bironas connects on a 40-yard field goal at the end of a seven play, 72 yard, three minute and 31 drive. 13-16

3:44 PM - Graham Gano connects with a 42-yard field goal. Nine plays, 50 yards, three minutes and 16. 16-16

3:47 PM - Phil Buchanan with a huge interception, which he returns 43 yards. Redskins are on the Tennessee 41.

3:50 PM - The Redskins offense is unable to do anything with the field position though. They end up going three-and-out.

3:58 PM - Under two minutes, game on the line - Donovan McNabb is in at quarterback. Whatever happens, this drive should give sports writers something to talk about for the next week.

4:05 PM - Graham Gano's 47-yard field goal for the win falls short. We're going to overtime.

END OF REGULATION

16-16

Tennessee wins the coin toss.

4:08 PM - From Murf's Twitter: Graham Gano, you're far too predictable.

4:18 PM - Tennessee really is the nicest city in the world. Not only does a McNabb interception get overturned upon review, but they give the Redskins 15 yards and a first down for good measure. I love this place.

4:19 PM - Now a 15-yard roughing the passer call. Redskins are in Titans territory.

4:23 PM - Ric Flair just appeared on the jumbotron wearing a Titans jersey in a pretaped segment designed to pump up the crowd. I'm hoping he'll attack Jeff Fisher with a chair, then rip off his Titans jersey, revealing a Redskins one underneath. Wooooo!

4:27 PM - Graham Gano connects on a 48 yard field goal!

PHOTOS

To see a slideshow of ExtremeSkins game photos click HERE

To see the complete set of ExtremeSkins game photos click HERE

:helmet:

AUDIO

To listen to comments from Lorenzo Alexander click HERE

To listen to comments from Phillip Buchanon click HERE

To listen to comments from Andre Carter click HERE

To listen to comments from Chris Cooley click HERE

To listen to comments from Fred Davis click HERE

To listen to comments from Stephon Heyer click HERE

To listen to comments from Keiland Williams click HERE

To listen to comments from Will Montgomery click HERE

To listen to comments from Brian Orakpo click HERE

To listen to comments from Clinton Portis click HERE

To listen to comments from Casey Rabach click HERE

To listen to comments from Chris Wilson click HERE

To listen to comments from Darrel Young click HERE

:helmet:

THE NEW GUY'S TAKE

Apparently, it's better to give the Redskins six days to prepare for an opponent than two weeks ...

After last week's devastating primetime loss to the Eagles, everyone was finally ready to write off this Redskins team. It seemed finally certain to pundits and to doubters that all of the negative rumors were true - the defense can't stop anyone, the offensive line is porous and unreliable and Donovan McNabb is washed up.

Luckily, in the NFL, you're only as good as your last game.

Certainly, one win over the 5-4 Tennessee Titans doesn't solve all of the Redskins woes, but it does go a long way toward silencing the critics and restoring confidence in this franchise as they continue to rebuild. The Redskins hung in against a tough opponent and found a way to win in overtime. They did it even as players were getting knocked out of the game left and right due to various injuries. They ended the Titans 12-game winning streak against the NFC (the longest current streak in the NFL). When the Titans won the coin toss in overtime, the Redskins' defense managed to shut them down and win. Any way you slice it, it was another hard fought victory for the burgundy and gold - a victory that, if we are all being honest here, wouldn't have happened last season and seemed highly unlikely just a week ago.

For once, the Redskins had luck on their side today. The Redskins fumbled twice but managed to recover both of them. They had an interception negated by penalties. And, best of all, they weren't the team to make mental errors that cost them the game.

No, it was the Titans who imploded. First, Vince Young threw a temper tantrum after being pulled from the game with a torn flexor tendon in his thumb. Young tossed his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands in protest of being benched. But it wasn't just Young who showed poor decision making. The Titans racked up 11 penalties for a total of 81 yards. One of those penalties was Randy Moss pushing off to catch a pass, which negated what would have been a game-winning touchdown. Then there was a series of penalties on the final drive - including an unsportsmanlike conduct and a roughing the passer call - that helped move the Redskins into position for a chance at victory.

The Redskins have managed to now put the last two losses behind them and earned a win for the first time in nearly a month.

They are back to .500 and are still very much in the mix in the NFC East. They racked up 465 yards of total offense today - 107 rushing and 358 passing. They ruled the time of possession, keeping the offense on the field for over 40 minutes. Like all of their close wins this season, they reminded everyone what this team is capable of when things go right.

Of course, we will have to wait and see how much the string of injuries is going to hurt them. As they look forward to Minnesota, you have to wonder who will be playing at key positions like the offensive line and running back. (The O-line was so depleted this week that, according to Chris Cooley, backup tight end Logan Paulsen was the next person on the depth chart to get called if anyone else got injured.) But whoever ends up in the game, if they can play like they did today, this team should continue to find ways to win.

:helmet:

MURF'S TAKE

The Washington Redskins were coming off of one of their most lopsided losses in franchise history – a 59-28 dismantling at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

That loss, mind you, was on the heels of the debacle in Detroit, where quarterback Donovan McNabb was benched and everyone not-named Brandon Banks had plenty to work on after yet another defeat at the hands of a Lions team that is routinely at the bottom of the NFL standings.

Their opponent was a Tennessee team that had a 12-game winning streak against the NFC, which was tops in the league. And, oh by the way, the Titans had already defeated the rest of the NFC East earlier this season with relative ease.

So naturally the Redskins won. Why wouldn’t they?

Even though the last month had been filled with disappointment and heartache, the Redskins somehow managed to resemble a profession football team once again. The offense, which had been missing in action for weeks, racked up 465 total yards – 107 on the ground and 358 in the air.

McNabb and friends ran 86 plays, converted eight of 16 third-down chances (which had plagued the team all season long) and held the ball for more than 40 minutes. Because the offense was able to sustain long time-consuming drives, the defense was finally able to get some much-needed rest.

One week after allowing 600 yards of offense to Philly, the Redskins defense shut down the Titans attack. Tennessee’s offense finished the day with 373 total yards, converted just three of 11 third downs and failed to reach the end zone.

The only reason the game was even close was an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown by Tennessee returner Marc Mariani. Otherwise, the game never would have made it to overtime.

-----

Making this victory even more impressive is that the fact that the Redskins were so decimated by injuries that linebacker Chris Wilson suggested the were living in the movie “Final Destination.”

Redskins running back Chad Simpsondidn’t even make it through warm-ups before he was out for the game with an injured foot. Running back Clinton Portis lasted just five carries before re-aggravating his groin injury. Safety Anderson Russell, who started because safety LaRon Landry is also hurt, left the game with a knee injury, and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

And let’s not forget the offensive line. Both center Casey Rabach and guard Derrick Dockery were sidelined due to knee injuries, as was defensive lineman Kedric Golston, and rounding out the injury report, linebacker Rocky McIntosh left the game with an injured groin.

Add in Landry, cornerback Carlos Rogers, guard Artis Hicks and running back Ryan Torain who were already out of the lineup before the Tennessee game and it’s safe to wonder if the Redskins will even have enough players to field a team next week against Minnesota.

-----

“If I ran the Titans, I’d give the ball to Chris Johnson every single down. Glad Fisher doesn’t feel the same way.”

I caught some heat during the game for posting those two sentences on Twitter one drive before Fisher apparently remembered he had the best running back in football on his roster. I was even accused of sleeping with the enemy after Johnson was given the ball three straight times on Tennessee’s next possession – with Johnson gaining 20 and 29 yards on back-to-back plays.

Why it took the longest-tenured coach in the NFL three quarters to try and utilize a guy who ran for more than 2,000 yards a season ago, I’ll never know. But rather than overanalyze it, Redskins fans should just be thankful that boneheaded decisions were being handled on the other side of the field for once.

And Fisher isn’t alone here.

After being pulled out of the game because of a thumb injury on his throwing hand, quarterback Vince Young had a hissy fit of historic proportions that included throwing his jersey and shoulder pads into the stands and storming out of the locker room after getting into a heated exchanged with his head coach.

And yet, Young wasn’t alone.

The game very well could have ended in a tie because neither team could do anything once they got into the red zone, if not for a series of back-breaking penalties by Titans players in the game’s deciding moments.

Titans defensive end Jason Babin was called for unnecessary roughness on 2nd-and-22, which gave the Redskins 15 free yards. On the very next play, linebacker Will Witherspoon was called for roughing the passer after going helmet-to-helmet on McNabb – which gave Washington 15 more yards. Four plays later, Cornerback Alterraun Verner was called for illegal contact while defending Redskins receiver Anthony Armstrong, which means that in three plays, the Titans gave the Redskins 35 yards.

-----

How dangerous would the Titans be if they added Randy Moss to their offense? Guess we’ll never know.

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The highlight of the day for many Redskins fans was the re-emergence of the Washington offense. Seeing receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley both in a rhythm, as well as guys like Fred Davis and Keiland Williams contributing was a welcome distraction from the three-and-out parade we’ve been subjected to for a month or so now.

The only issue I have with the Redskins offense on Sunday was McNabb’s steadfast refusal to throw to anyone other than Joey Galloway in the red zone. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, unless you’re convinced the defense isn’t going to cover him because film shows he’s made exactly one play worth a damn all season long.

But Galloway was targeted six times against Tennessee, and he responded by catching three of them for 32 yards. He also stood around watching on McNabb’s interception. Guess it was easier than coming back to the ball and ensuring the Redskins maintained possession.

At this rate, Galloway is on pace for 19 catches for 277 yards and zero touchdowns. That’d be embarrassing if it didn’t basically equal his production over the last two seasons combined (20 catches for 205 yards). I never thought I’d say this, but I have less faith in Galloway doing something to help the Redskins than I did whenever Antwaan Randle El went out to return a punt.

I mean, at least Randle El typically got both hands on the ball.

[JimmiJo]

Well gents, the specter of the game may be uncertain, but what is clear is the coverage will be first class...provided you can write coherently through your alcohol-induced fog from last night.

Holla.

[seachelle57]

Why gold pants? I think they're jinxed.

Who's announcing the game?

[NoLeafClover]

Well gents, the specter of the game may be uncertain, but what is clear is the coverage will be first class...provided you can write coherently through your alcohol-induced fog from last night.

Holla.

Pappas, if there is one thing I've learned covering these games with you and murf, it's how to write coherently in an alcohol-induced fog.

[terrifNick21]

Why gold pants? I think they're jinxed.

Who's announcing the game?

Dick Stockton and his crew.

[DarrellsMyHero28]

Dick Stockton and his crew.

Its weird that they have 3 in the booth, don't see that a lot outside of MNF games.

[NoLeafClover]

Its weird that they have 3 in the booth, don't see that a lot outside of MNF games.

Considering how hard it seems to find two competent announcers to call every game, I'm not surprised they don't go for three.

[redskin faithful]

Dockerys down now also. Wheres the MASH unit. Call the code and get the cart.

[NoLeafClover]

Dockerys down now also. Wheres the MASH unit. Call the code and get the cart.

The injuries are definitely getting out of hand.

[seachelle57]

right. what is the deal with the field? is that part of the problem?

[NoLeafClover]

right. what is the deal with the field? is that part of the problem?

I'm sticking with voodoo curse.

[DarrellsMyHero28]

Considering how hard it seems to find two competent announcers to call every game, I'm not surprised they don't go for three.

Three idiots > Two idiots?

[Mark Moseley]

Why gold pants? I think they're jinxed.

Who's announcing the game?

Those are the away uniforms from the George Allen/ Jack Pardee era no more jinked than White on White or Burgandy on Burgandy

[NoLeafClover]

Three idiots > Two idiots?

That must be why they keep adding more panelists to the pregame shows.

[Mark Moseley]

the field reminds of the NFLE fields they were horrible

[DarrellsMyHero28]

the field reminds of the NFLE fields they were horrible

I feel honored to quote you.

[Paigums]

More Davis & Cooley, please.

[Paigums]

More Davis & Cooley, please.

I made that happen. You're welcome.

[NoLeafClover]

Those are the away uniforms from the George Allen/ Jack Pardee era no more jinked than White on White or Burgandy on Burgandy

Thanks for the info.

I think the jerseys look sharp. I hope they keep using them.

[NoLeafClover]

I made that happen. You're welcome.

Now can you get us some more cowbell?

[Paigums]

Now can you get us some more cowbell?

I'd take less Lichtensteiger over more cowbell anyday.

[redskin faithful]

I hope Grossman doesnt come in.

[seachelle57]

I made that happen. You're welcome.

Where were you at the missed field goal?

[Paigums]

Where were you at the missed field goal?

I don't speak "kicker".

[seachelle57]

I don't speak "kicker".

i do. i did that one!!!!