Redskins Get Trapped in the Trap Game
Update: Pictures are finally up. The Redskins fall to the St. Louis Rams 19-17 in a poorly played game. Q and I were on hand to watch the crumbling occur. Pictures will be up by Tuesday morning here. As the Sports Freak noted in the pre-game posting, we thought the key to the game was to maintain the status quo. So much for that. Not noted in our postings was that we all felt that the Redskins could lose in one of three games against the Rams, Browns, and Lions.
The key to the game was not held up. Campbell was pressured, but appeared to be holding steady and calm. Later in the game, it appeared that was part of the problem. With the pressure, the Redskins did not fight back, thinking that the game was still in reach, which it was, and that the tactics used in the wins over Dallas and Philly would work.
Three major problems occurred.
1. Special Teams. Nothing special was the problem. Brooks punted a couple of really bad punts. Enough to have an almost immediate announcement that the team would look at free agent punters. Suisham, while capable at kicking those field goals and extra points, struggled with kickoffs, particularly the one that went out of bounds around the 8 yard line, allowing the Rams to start at the 40.
2. Turnovers. Every analyst for the NFL noted how the Redskins were taking away more than giving away. Fumble-itis spread throughout the the team. If they hadn't given up the ball, the Redskins could have been up 21-3 at the half.
3. Defense. There really weren't any big problems here. Overall, little problems throughout the game caused a overall issue. A D-lineman covering Stephen Jackson out of the backfield on a screen pass. I'm just surprised he managed to keep up with him and tackled him, after a healthy gain. Little pressure on Bulger, who's been folding all season, except the last game when he was benched. Worst of the problems might have been the softness of the defense in key situations. It was as if they were playing Prevent Defense and let the receivers get 5 yard leads for 10 yard gains. after 6 or 7 of them, the Rams would be in field goal range. Remember what has been said. "The Prevent Defense prevents you from winning."
Other minor things occurred, like the apparent early ending of the 1st half, leaving a second on the clock when the Redskins could have attempted a hail mary. There was the 20-something Brazilian girl wearing a pink Portis jersey and waving a Brazilian flag. She seemed lost, but Q said that he would blame her if we lost. Also, it was Haslett's first game as Rams Head Coach. It could have played a small factor in the Redskins game planning as all they had was his old Saints footage.
Time to move on and get the act together. Back at Fedex Field for a 4 PM game against the hapless Browns. Another trap game perhaps?
