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Gibbs Has Redskins Fans Everywhere Tooting Their Own Horn
After yet another thrilling victory the Washington Redskins are beginning to reach that upper echelon that years ago looked out of reach. After the disposing of the Seattle Seahawks at home on Sunday, Washington is 3-0 for the first time since 1991, when they beat the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. This 20-to-17-overtime victory now means that under Coach Joe Gibbs the Redskins are winners of 8 of the last 10 games following a bye week.
I have just one question for you Skins fans. Is anyone missing Laveraneus Coles? As you scratch your chin in the attempt to answer the question, I will save you the breath and say it for you, “Laveraneus who?” For the second straight week Santana Moss and the rest of the receivers have responded to get the ball downfield to set up the wins.
Early in the second quarter Mark Brunell hit Moss on a big third-and-seven that gave Washington a first-and-goal from the two and ended on a one-yard touchdown pass to Robert Royal, which gave the Skins a 7-3 lead that lasted until the half. That was the drive that all Skins fans wanted to see, lasting just over 8 minutes on 16 plays that covered 85 yards. That drive gave Washington hopefuls enough to know that this team is good. Just how good has many experts doubting that they are pretenders.
The second half started as the defense was walking around like zombies, I couldn’t help but to start to feel like I was caught in the twilight zone. The Seahawks began to threaten and were easily moving the ball only to see their hope get blown wide left after kicker Josh Brown missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. Then the Washington offense hit the field poised to send these seagulls packing early bringing out trick plays and forcing the safeties up which resulted in a pass interference on the 4-yard line. One play later Brunell connected with Fullback Mike Sellers for his second touchdown pass of the day. At that moment the Washington Redskins band everywhere was marching to the same tune… “Hail To The Redskins.” I still don’t know how that song hasn’t won an Emmy yet, but I bet the Cowboys organization has something to do with it.
These pesky seagulls would just not go away as they continued to attack the Washington defense. Quick dump-off passes, a little bit of Shawn Alexander and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Jackson had this game knotted at 17-apiece. All I could think was someone pinch me, because this wasn’t really happening to me. I just knew that I didn’t wake up at 7:30 in the morning to prep my singing voice and stretch out all my fingers for nothing. I mean I had only popped one blood vessel in my hand. I couldn’t be done cheering yet. That’s when it happened. The ninth play of overtime on a huge third-and-10 Brunell dropped back and rifled a bullet that hit Moss right in the hands for a first down on the Seahawks 15-yard line. Two plays later former Maryland Terrapin kicker Nick Novak stepped up and nailed the 39-yard field goal that had Redskins fans all over the country jumping up-and-down and screaming like a school house girl. Well, at least I was dancing and screaming like a little girl. Then it was time for that last singing of “Hail To The Redskins.” What a wonderful day this has evolved into. Nothing could ruin the feeling that I have now. This reminds me of the first time I went to a Redskins game. The first time I got to hear the band sing in person.
It’s like the smile on my face when I was five years old and my Mom bought me that Joe Theisman jersey. This must be what bliss is all about. As I sat there reminiscing out-of-nowhere I got tapped on the shoulder, it was my wife yelling at me to take the dog out. I guess she will never fully understand what a Redskins victory is worth. But the only thing that matters is we’re 3-0! This is the year. I just know it!!!!
Craig Johnson may be reached @ myterps34@yahoo.com
