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FanSided

Remembering the 2007 Redskins, and four of Joe Gibbs’ greatest games

By Kyle Hundley

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on December 30, 2007 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 27-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on December 30, 2007 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 27-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 06: Tight end Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins is tackled after a reception by Chicago Bears safety Brandon McGowan #36 and safety Danieal Manning #38 in second quarter action at FedEx Field December 6, 2007 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 06: Tight end Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins is tackled after a reception by Chicago Bears safety Brandon McGowan #36 and safety Danieal Manning #38 in second quarter action at FedEx Field December 6, 2007 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /

2007 Redskins season

Week 14: Home vs. Chicago Bears (5-7)

After an emotionally-charged home loss against the Bills, the Redskins got another chance to give the fans a much-needed win as they hosted the 5-7 Chicago Bears, a team that was also fighting for a playoff spot and in a must-win game.

Washington looked as if they’d catch a break early in the game as starting quarterback Rex Grossman would go down with a knee injury off of a Cornelius Griffin hit and would have to face backup Brian Griese for the remainder of the game.

Unfortunately for the ‘Skins, Jason Campbell would get injured on a hit similar to the one Grossman went down on a little bit later on in the game, and would be out for the foreseeable future. Behind Campbell was Todd Collins, a career backup quarterback who had only thrown 27 passes since he last started in 1997 (and had a quarterback rating of 69.5), over nine full seasons beforehand. All of a sudden, an epic Brian Griese vs. Todd Collins quarterback duel was underway.

For a little perspective, playing Collins was like when the Atlanta Falcons started Matt Schaub this year (who last started with the Texans in 2013, except for a couple of games with the Ravens in 2015), only with fewer starts and four more years in-between meaningful playing time.

For not seeing meaningful action in close to a decade, Collins played surprisingly well and was able to lead a scoring drive right before halftime, hitting tight end Todd Yoder for a touchdown to put the ‘Skins up 7-0. His excellent play continued in the second half, as he was able to lead two more scoring drives before hitting Ladell Betts for a touchdown on a critical third-down in the fourth quarter to make the score 24-13. Washington was able to hold on for a 24-16 victory, to move to 6-7 on the season. They got the victory for Taylor they so desperately wanted the week before.

While the Redskins’ rushing attack did not have a great game, Collins provided the spark off the bench, as he threw two touchdowns and had 224 yards passing, completing 15 of his 20 attempts. With Campbell out, Collins would continue to be the starter going forward.

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