The Washington Redskins go into the final game of the 2007 season with the season on the line. If they have more points on the scoreboard than that team that’s coming from Texas at the end of the game, it’s on to the post-season and a trip as far west as you can go.
If “Jerry J.” brings his Cowoys into town and they put up more points than “the Danny’s” men, then all that bleed burgundy and gold will shift their attention to Mile High stadium and the outcome of the Vikings game. If the Redskins don’t come out victorious on Sunday, they’ll also need help from the Bears (Saints).
Sunday the Washington defense will have first round pick LaRon Landry playing in a position that was designated for a guy that played it like no one else. Sean Taylor was able to better play the position that way this year, because he had LaRon down in the box. LaRon doesn’t have Landry down in the box, he’s got Reed Doughty. If you want to know if LaRon is looking for help you might want to ask the New York Giants receiving corps.
You can rattle off many different reasons for the Redskins to miss the 2007 post-season, and yet, here they are in control of their own destiny. In the first quarter of the season, the offensive line lost both the starting right tackle and the starting right guard. Assistant Head Coach Joe Bugel didn’t ask for help, he looked within his roster and made do; getting help outside of the existing roster really hasn’t been the 2007 Redskins’ style. Whether they were moving moved an undrafted rookie left tackle over to play at right tackle, or if they had a defensive lineman going in motion as a tight end, the help was found from within.
On Sunday, the Redskins need to “win to get in”. People wonder if they’ll be facing all of Dallas’ starters, as the Cowboys have already locked down the number one NFC seed; but the Redskins haven’t had a lot of their starters all season.
Quotes and Notes:
— Clinton Portis rushed 20 times for 76 yards and one touchdown, he also caught five passes for 48 yards and threw 15-yard touchdown to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, in the Redskins’ 32-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. For his efforts Portis was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Clinton was named offensive player of the week once before, while playing for the Denver Broncos in 2003 (the year before he came to Washington)
— Jason Campbell was on the practice field this week, working with trainers and physical therapists as he continues to rehab his injured knee. Campbell said he needs to continue to rebuild strength in the knee so that when he plants his leg to throw, there is no discomfort. If the Redskins make the post-season, it’s possible that Campbell will be available to practice next week. Coach Joe Gibbs said: “Jason is better and better as he goes. We will just continue to monitor it and see how he feels.”
— Offensive lineman Mike Pucillo who has been slowed by a back injury that forced him to miss the last two games, has been placed injured reserve. Pucillo’s roster spot will be filled by offensive tackle Kevin Sampson, who was promoted from the practice squad. Sampson was a seventh-round draft selection out of Syracuse by Kansas City in 2004. His practice squad spot was filled when the Redskins re-signed offensive lineman Calvin Armstrong. Armstrong has had several stints on the Redskins’ practice squad this season.
— Joe Gibbs has been voted the Motorola NFL Coach of the Week for the second time in three weeks, he beat out Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers who were finalists for the award. Gibbs also won the award after the Redskins beat the Chicago Bears three weeks ago.
— The Redskins have honored one of the team’s legends prior to each home game this season as part of the franchise’s 75th anniversary celebration. Defensive lineman Dexter Manley will be honored prior to this Sunday’s game at Fed-Ex Field. Others that have been honored this season include Quarterbacks Joe Theismann and Sonny Jurgensen, Running Back John Riggins, and Wide Receiver Gary Clark who also entered the Ring of Fame.
Up Next:
The Redskins will face the NFC East leaders, at 13-2 they are coming off a 20-13 victory at Carolina. The kickoff has been moved back and is now scheduled for 4:15 pm. This week’s opponents are led by Quarterback Tony Romo (99.3 QB rating, 4125 yards, 36 Touchdowns, and 18 Interceptions) and Inside Linebacker Bradie James (89 Tackles, 57 Solo/32 Assists and three sacks). They are ranked second in points scored with a average of 29.9 points per game and the defense is ranked 12th in points allowed, giving up a average of 19.9 points per game.
Complete Tale of the Tapes:
Total Offense: Washington is ranked 16th with 332 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 2nd with 380.3 ypg.
Rushing Offense: Washington is ranked 13th with 116 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 12th with 116.3 ypg.
Passing Offense: Washington is ranked 14th with 216 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 4th with 263.9 ypg.
Total Defense: Washington is ranked 12th giving up 315.8 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 8th with 304.5 ypg.
Rushing Defense: Washington is ranked 8th giving up 97.3 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 4th with 97.3 ypg.
Passing Defense: Washington is ranked 16th giving up 218.5 yards per game and The team with the star ranks 13th with 212.4 ypg.
Injury Report:
QB Jason Campbell (knee) is listed as Out
Campbell has seen good improvement over the last week
FB Mike Sellers (Concussion) is listed as Probable
Seller has practiced all week.
TE Todd Yoder (Knee) is listed as Probable
Yoder returned to practice this week.
Injured Reserves:
The following players are done for the 2007 season:
FB Broughton, Nehemiah (Knee)
TE Ecker, Tyler (Groin)
WR Espy, Mike (Knee)
WR Harris, Steven (Knee)
WR McAddley, Jason (Hamstring)
OL Tucker, Ross (Neck)
OT Jansen, Jon (Ankle)
CB Carlos Rogers (Neck)
RG Randy Thomas (Arm)
LB Rocky McIntosh (Knee)
C Mike Pucillo (Back)
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall