Redskins Pregame Jitters?
September 23, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs past Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) during the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Bengals defeated the Redskins 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
It’s early Sunday morning and if you look outside at FedEx field, you would think the Redskins are about to play a night game. The dark, gloomy and slightly wet morning setting is bringing up questions about how our team is approaching preparing for the contest versus the Falcons. Last week in Tampa, Meriweather and Robinson were injured in a freak pre-game accidental collision, so I would assume that warm ups are going to be very timid and extra cautious. Will this affect the Redskins coming out focused and ready to play? Will the idea of the top team in the NFC rolling into FedEx rattle the young rookie phenoms? Will the high powered Falcons offense add extra pressure on the Redskins defense and have them trying too hard to make plays? Or…
September 23, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Bengals defeated the Redskins 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
…have the Redskins finally transformed into a legitimate contender? Have the young Redskins developed into a squad with no fear? Did the battle to not let the Tampa game slip away transform Griffin III into Tom Brady mode? Will Alfred Morris continue to reach the end zone and show the world that his swing is good enough to be in the starting line up for the Nationals? Was last week a turning point for the Redskins to believe Griffin III when he says,”Hey, don’t worry, I got you!”
Waking up this morning I had a different feeling that I haven’t felt in a long time. I didn’t feel nervous or doubtful that the Skins would show up ready to play. I didn’t feel like winning this game would be a long shot at all, in fact I felt quite confident that the Redskins would get this win in convincing fashion. My prediction for today’s game will be a little different than most foresee. I sense the Redskins defense put in extra work this week and will show up all game, stopping Matt Ryan on the final drive of the game to seal the deal. I don’t like the chances of Griffin III having a stellar game in his first rain game. I see 2 of his 3 interceptions coming from passes slipping through receivers hands and the 3rd coming from him trying to make a big play when it’s not there. This week it will be the defense saying,” Hey Griff, don’t worry we got you!” This is going to be very vital for the Redskins success coming up on the trade deadline and moving into the 2nd half of the season. I don’t think anybody wants Snyder to pull the trigger and make a mid season trade to potentially mess up what ever togetherness has been formed unless it brings in a young crafty defender that we can keep around and make a career Redskin.
Final Stat line:
R. Griffin III – 20/32 320 yds. 2 TDs 3 INTs, 14 rushes 90 yds 1 TD
A. Morris – 22 rushes 135 yds 1 TD
S. Moss – 9 rec. 160 yds 2 TDs
D. Hall – 2 INTs (including the game winning INT) that will be the cover of the Washington Post with Hall pointing to the sky on his knees.
September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts after he intercepted the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
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