While nobody will say that Sunday's Redskins-Bears game was an artistic delight-- if anything it resembled Super Bowl V when the Colts and Cowboys couldn't get out of their own and each other's way en route to a 3 point decision-- it counts as another win... and the Skins have equalled their victory tally from last year by midseason. Postseason possiblities are dancing in heads all around the Beltway- with the caveat that the 2008 team started stronger (6-2) and faded to .500.
Turnovers told the tale-- Four interceptions by DeAngelo Hall (and a 92 yard return for a TD) grabbed the headline, but the Bears also fumbled twice in the second half... meaning that they turned the ball over on six of seven possessions after intermission. The Skins didn't make things easy on themselves, turning the ball over three times.
Donovan and Distance-- Mr. McNabb completed 17 of 32 passes for 200 yards; a touchdown pass to Santana Moss was tempered by a pair of interceptions, including a pick six that put the Bears on the board. Still, #5's more than just a passer-- he's a field general you have a security with you haven't had with others in this role for the past decade (Brad Johnson-1999 the last good QB they've had).
Taking the Torain-- it took a while for Ryan Torain to warm up... as the Redskins runningback gained 44 yards on 12 carries over the first three quarters-- before churning out 81 yards on 9 fourth quarter attempts. Although he fumbled at Bears 21, this is the type of performance Shanahan ball hinges on: solid play until the opponent its worn down during the latter stages of the game. #26 jerseys, anyone?
Mosscooley-- the receiver conglomerate combined for 12 catches and 115 yards plus a touchdown; the rest of the team tallied 5 grabs for 85 yards. Seasonal monopoly?: 77 of 142 catches... and 940 of 1761 receiving yards. Not the best case for a "boy they are spreading the ball around" statement.
Dissecting the Division-- the Giants win over Dallas means the Skins are in second place instead of first; although a better division and conference record means they have the second wildcard over Philadelphia, Green Bay and New Orleans. The Cowboys? At 1-5 they are 15th in the NFC... half a game better than San Francisco...at least they have the World Series.
Third Down and Out-- again the Skins have issues moving the chains, converting on just 2 of 13 third downs. The teams 25% ranks 31st in the league-- thank goodness they were facing Chicago (32nd at 17.9% for the season, 2-for-10 Sunday) this past weekend.
What's a Haynesworth-- the 100 million dollar man returned after a two game absence (although RR often jests at his on-the-field issues, we think of Mr. Haynesworth and his family in this troubling time)... and posted his best game of the season: 3 tackles and a sack plus holding up Jay Cutler for London Fletcher to cause a fumble on the goal line. He was on the field for 33 of the 60 Bear plays from scrimmage.
Tracking the Triumvirate-- Fred Davis tallied two catches for 28 yards, Malcolm Kelly remains on track to shine in 2011 and Devin Thomas was not active for Carolina against San Francisco.
Gano Good again-- another week, another missed field goal-- this time from 36 yards out. Perhaps a tryout during the bye week?
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