Rather than simply dissecting Week Five's NFC East matchup between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, I have chosen to respond to a sentiment that seems to be prevalent around the NFL.
That sentiment being that, somehow, someway, the Redskins have not won four in a row based on their quality play, but rather on some form of luck or "happenstance."
I'll start with the simplest point: They are 4-1, including 2-1 in road games, involving three of the four teams that make up what many believe is the best division in football.
The one loss was on opening night, where the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants had the emotion of a ring ceremony and a fiery speech from the retired Michael Strahan on their side to start the game. The Redskins ran into a buzzsaw and couldn't quite recover from it.
I would argue that no team could have done better in the early stages of that game. Their ability to recover was hindered by the fact that it was the first game for a rookie head coach, the first game for the new offense as a whole, and the first game for a young quarterback in his third new offense in his four years in the NFL.
Things are different now after Week Five. And I contend that if that game were played in Week Six, the results would be different, too.
In five weeks of football, the Redskins have not taken over the league's statistical rankings in many categories. Defensively, the Redskins are only ranked 13th in yards allowed, 11th in points allowed, 20th against the pass, and ninth against the run.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story.
The Redskins have faced five of the NFL's top nine offenses during this stretch (based on current rankings, the Eagles were sixth entering Week Five). In each game, the Redskins' defense held the opposition to its lowest yardage total and its lowest point total of the season.
The Redskins defense has only allowed 10 fourth-quarter points all season, doing so while facing five of the top ten scoring offenses in the NFL, including three of the top five.
Four of the five opposing quarterbacks are currently ranked in the top five in yardage in the NFL, and the fifth, Eli Manning, is a respectable 12th. Four of the five are also in the top seven in quarterback rating as of now (following Week Five) and the fifth (Donovan McNabb) is 13th (before facing the Redskins, he was eighth).
Three of the five opposing quarterbacks experienced their worst quarterback rating of the season against the Redskins. The other two, Drew Brees and Tony Romo, had their second-worst ratings, by a very small margin, 68.2-69.8 for Brees and 82.6-90.7 for Romo.
The Redskins' defense has only six sacks on the season. That ranks 26th in the NFL. But consider the quarterbacks they have faced.
- Brees - tied for third in the NFL with four sacks all season, one sack for every 37 attempts
- Romo - tied for third in the NFL with four sacks all season, one sack for every 40.5 attempts
- Eli M - tied for fifth in the NFL with five sacks all season, one sack for every 26.4 attempts
- McNabb - tied for 20th in the NFL with 10 sacks all season, one sack for every 17.5 attempts
- Warner - 28th in the NFL with 12 sacks all season, one sack for every 15.25 attempts
191 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Shaun Ahmad 9 months ago
Love the closing to that article.
I don't think there is any question that they are a top three team and one can easily argue that they are better than the Titans who have had an easier schedule so far.
The argument as to who is better right NOW between New York and Washington is a tough one, with NY having the slight advantage because they did beat Washington. I think this argument will be put to rest in the rematch at FedEx Field in November.
And I am in complete agreement with you that anything with this team is possible at this point. The sky is the limit.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Oh yeah, I think the re-match at FedEx will be for the division title. It should be very good!
Thanks for the thoughts Sean!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
You had me going pretty good Barrett..
Until that Chargers bit! LOL
Cool, thanks for the thoughts!
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John Lorge 9 months ago
They already dropped one to NY, but that was before their full playbook was in-tact. I like the skins (loved Sean Taylor RIP) and support Zorn.
They will win their next 3 games, but the month of November will be the tell-all. They host Pitt Nov 3rd. Then get a bye. They host the Cowboys Nov 16 who have extra motivation after last game. Then they go to the west coast to face the hawks Nov 23, who may have righted the ship by then. Finally they host the Giants Nov 30th.
They are one of the best, but until someone knocks off Eli, I give him the nod.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Appreciate the comments John. The Giants are an easy argument for sure, but their schedule has been so soft it's kinda crazy. The win over the Skins wasn't exactly a convincing win, and considering how badly the Skins were playing, it's even less impressive.
But the re-match will come, and over time all of this will be settled for sure.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
It wasn't convincing? Never trailing, taking a 16-0 lead and then ending up winning by nine isn't convincing? You may be the only person who watched that game who would say that. I bet a month ago you thought it was very convincing.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Not at all, go look at what I wrote. I saw it as a much closer game then and I still do. I watched it very closely, it wasn't as bad as it was made out to be, and the way the Skins have turned it on only proves I was right.
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Dan Parzych 9 months ago
For anyone who says the Redskins 4-1 start is "luck" has no idea what they are talking about. Even as an Eagles fan, I am willing to admit the Redskins have made it clear that they are one of the best teams in the NFL. The fact that they pulled off key road wins in Dallas and Philadelphia is beyond impressive. What is even better for the Skins is they have a favorable schedule the next three weeks in which they play teams they should easily beat (Rams, Browns, and Lions).
Craig, you make a lot of excellent points throughout your article. Nice work and I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future. Hopefully we get you guys back on December 21!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
my response below, wooops!
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Brian Sulpher 9 months ago
As a Giants fan what they have done is mightily impressive. May that game at FedEx be able to live up to the hype it will no doubt generate (if things continue along the set path).
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Oh yeah Brian, if things move forward as they are now, that game will be one of the most hyped games of this year. I have a feeling each of the visits the Skins get from our NFC East brethren will be pretty well hyped too, gonna be some BIG TIME GAMES in the last month of the season.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Thanks Dan, appreciate the kudos. I also appreciate that you can see things for what they are.
McNabb kinda ticked me off with his post-game comments, and then I have read and heard so much of the same I just had to sound off.
It has been an impressive run the Skins are on, I just hope they keep it going.
And I'm sure the Eagles are gonna bring it for the re-match, they always do!
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James Williamson 9 months ago
I love the article. It was very solid and full of good facts. Are they the best team? I don't know. Are they the team that scares me the most? YES! I want the Boys to win not just because they are my team, but to shut people up who keep dissing my team. But I would rather the Skins win the Super Bowl than the Giants repeat because I hate dynasties. Do I think the Skins can do it? Maybe. we must remember that they also lost in the first round of playoffs as well as the Cowboys. And the game against the Boys was a weird one considering Felix Jones and Marion Barber weren't given a real big chance to play.
I respect the Redskins and if they won the Super Bowl this year then I would definately want Dallas to win next year to repeat history.
Remember Craig? 90-93 Super Bowls. When the NFC East was feared!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Thanks for the comments James, was hoping you would stop by!
Oh yeah, that was a fun time for sure, Giants, Skins and then the 'Boys, a very fun time for the NFC East!
The best part of this to me is the fact that we have so much football left to play, each of these teams gets the chance to prove it, and it's gonna be fun watching each of them try!
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TexasCowboy 9 months ago
I'm sorry dude but this article reeks of Redskins homerism seriously and no offense dude but even you can't be that dumb to crown your team the "best team"? Yes you did beat my Cowboys and you
managed to beat the hapless E-Girls. but the "best team"? I'd have to say no because right now the
Giants as much as I hate to say it are looking way better than your Skins at the moment
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well Texas, I presented my argument as to why the Skins are a better team, what's your argument for why it's the Giants instead?
And note, I am writing about the Skins being the best team in the league RIGHT NOW, not 3 weeks ago, or next month,
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
If it's a dumb argument, explain how. Don't forget to actually read the article. I actually made real points to why they might be the best team in football, if you say NO, explain it, don't just insult me(no offense taken though).
I'm not crowning anybody, just pointing out a few facts.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Right NOW the Skins are in second place behind the undefeated team that beat them soundly. Right NOW the Giants just won by 38 points in total 100% domination while sitting their best receiver against the 1-3 Seahawks. The Skins were down 14-0 and struggled back for a 6-point win over the 2-3 [highly overrated] Beagles. That doesn't make the Skins a bad team -- far from it. It just means that RIGHT NOW there's no reason to think they're better than the Giants.
And if you do then you're the only person writing on a decent Web site on the whole internet who've I've seen with that opinion. Every power rankings I've seen has the Giants #1 and the Skins 2 or 3. Great for the Skins but still behind the Giants.
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Sean Crowe 9 months ago
Holy crap, I agree with Osi....
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Stove Pipe 9 months ago
Hi Craig.
Great article, thanks for the invite to put in my two cents.
Are the Skin's the best team in the NFL? Not at the moment, but they are in my top three behind only the Giants and the Titans. The reason, they played their way in by beating the Cowboys and Eagles. No backing in, they kicked ass for entry. Anyone who ranks them behind the Cowboy is dreaming.
I couldn't come close to matching the statistical analysis you've supplied above, but my opinion of the Skin's has risen since week one. They didn't look like they would be all that competitive based upon their opening night performance, but they have turned their game and me around.
I wouldn't say that they are in the same class as the Giants and Titans yet, they still need to show that same intensity and purpose over the long haul, but they gain confidence every week with every victory.
Confidence is the difference between them and a lot of the rest of the league right now, especially the Cowboys. Amazing what winning a big game that no one thinks you should win does for your prospects.
Beyond that, I can't really argue with the rest of your breakdown, I say the 'Skin's are one of the top team in the league.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Thanks for the input SP and your welcome for the invite, I appreciate the comments. It is certainly a very difficult thing to quantify until February.
But time will tell for sure.
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Mike Martin 9 months ago
Giants have the weakest? I thought they were supposed to have the most difficult after winning a SB. How did that happen?
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
It's crazy 'aint it?! But that's how things have shaken out up to now, we'll see how it all plays out through the season though, things can change awfully fast in this very fun game!
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Mike Martin 9 months ago
I've always sort of liked the Redskins, but from afar. Now with former Seahawks Jim Zorn and Shermin Smith trolling the sidelines I'm liking them a bit more...especially with the Seahawks looking like an NFC afterthought.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
It's good to have a new Skins fan Mike, you don't have to abandon the 'Hawks, but Zorn has made quite a few people believers too.
He's been a lot of fun to watch!
And thanks for the FAV pick Mike!
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Mike Martin 9 months ago
I'm not bailing on the Seahawks, far from it. I did when Pennis Erikson went there, I was disgusted by that move and he proved me to be right. It's nice to see a team that has the name "Washington" winning. What I wouldn't give for my Huskies to be 4 and 1 at this point.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Mike, you do understand how NFL schedules are put together, right? Their schedule's been weak early but by the end of the year it will all even out. The Skins meanwhile for all the talk about a supertough schedule have only beaten one good team, Dallass. Otherwise they've beaten two teams that are 2-3 (NO and PHI) and one team that's 3-2 (AZ, in the superlame NFC West). That is a stronger schedule so far than the Giants for sure, but not to the extent that the stats make it seem.
And the Skins just squeaked by in most of those games, as shown by their +11 point differential in five games, or +2.2 average. The Giants point differential in four games? It's +78, a +19.5 average.
And did I mention the Giants beat the Skins by nine points?
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Alright Osi, you've come to join us, very good. As I already wrote, I made my points, and you actually made some too.
The only problem is that you didn't bring anything other than point differential, which when considering the opposition, isn't much of a point.
But very good try!
Cool, thanks Osi!
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Actually I addressed the opposition issue too. The Skins have one impressive win all season, a two-point win over Dallass. That's it. Otherwise they've struggled past a bunch of unimpressive teams and lost to the Giants. And that point differential is quite impressive, over 17 points better than the Skins.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Osi, your the ONLY person to suggest that the Skins have played lesser teams, so I'll not bother responding any further to an empty argument.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
That's a complete misrepresentation. I did not say that. What I said is that while it's certainly tougher than the Giants schedule it's not all that tough. The Skins have exactly one impressive win this season, a two pointer over Dallass (where I was rooting for them of course).
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Mike Martin 9 months ago
I don't know the intricicies of the scheduling, but I always thought that they made the SB champ's schedule the toughest a Detroit's the easiest.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
It is supposed to be Mike, but even that's based on conjecture from the previous year's results. Cleveland is a good example, coming into this season, there was the reasonable assumption that the Brown would be decent football, things just haven't worked out that way.
It's tricky thing, the scheduling, it just doesn't always work out the way it's supposed to.
And it is still early in the season, the strength of schedule right now could be quite different at the end of the season depending on how teams finish, so it change dramatically.
All of which is why I said in the article "NOW" and didn't bother to try to predict what will happen in the future since it is so wide open.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Mike, every team in every division has 12 games in common with their division opponents plus the two games they play against each other, so only two games per year really have anything to do with previous year's results. By the end of the year all the teams in any particular division will typically be bunched up very closely in the overall difficulty rankings. The biggest factor in those rankings is sometimes the games division teams play against each other.
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Bruce Dickenson 9 months ago
They are a very solid team playing very good football. Best team in the league? Too early to tell, but you make very good arguments and the closing sums it up. Are they capable, absolutely yes.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
That's for sure, and I'm not necessarily trying to say they are definitively the best team in football, but right now, they sure look pretty dam good!
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David Geller 9 months ago
The Skins have surprised the hell out of me. Walking out of giants stadium that night I thought this was a bad, bad team. Kudos for bouncing back the way they did.
I still can't place them ahead of the Giants because the Giants beat them soundly. It was never really a game, and a banner unveiling and a speech doesn't account for all of that.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well, I wouldn't say it was all that sound a win, but the point is valid none the less, which is why I made the point about that specifically, it's a difficult argument to put the Skins ahead of the Giants, but we will be finding out in due time.
Thanks for the comments David!
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ANGEL ORTIZ 9 months ago
The G Men are a solid bunch, but it's evident that the Skins are a much more complete team. The verdict will be out when Dallas and NY visit FEDEX soon!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
I agree Angel, and your absolutely right, they all have to come through FedEx to prove things for sure, it will be some great football!
Thanks for the thoughts!
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David Geller 9 months ago
How can you say that the Skins are a much more complete team?
I'm not going to give my reasoning for why I think the Giants are one, just wondering what yours is.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well David, I'm not sure what Angel's points would be, but I already made my case in the article.
I would love to see your thoughts though, please do post them.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
How can you say that ANY team is more complete than the Giants? Simply put, the Giants do not have ONE weakness. Not one! They are at least average at everything an NFL team needs to do and either above average or excellent at most things an NFL team needs to do.
They have three running backs averaging at least 5.8 yards per carry. They pass the ball well with the deepest pool of receivers in the league. Is there a better QB playing right now than Eli? They have the best o-line in the league (Tom Jackson agreed yesterday on ESPN). One of the best d-lines in the league we all know. A very good secondary. OK linebackers though Pierce in the middle is their team leader. Heck, even their fullback is excellent. They punt the ball well, haven't missed a FG or XP all year, their return and coverage teams are good. Even their TEs are good blockers who can catch when needed to.
On a team level they've outgained their opponents 1724 - 944 yards (a difference of 195 yards PER GAME!). Fifteen sacks vs five. They have 97 first downs vs opponents 61. They average 6.6 yards per play vs. opponents 4.1. And have 13 TDs vs opponents 4.
What else is there? You cannot name one area where this team is weak. Go ahead and try. And don't get your hopes up with that big FEDEX homefield advantage because they actually play better on the road.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Yes Osi, and all of these wonderful stats were against the worst teams in football. Period. THE EASIEST SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS IN THE ENTIRE NFL! A very telling stat especailly when one of your wins was against us, and we're 4-1 now. The other teams you have beaten have how many wins? Where do they rank in basic stats in the NFL?
Break it down for us Osi, we need to know.
There is nothing more to be said. And no need for HOPES in the re-match Osi, I'll be looking for you when it's time for that game so we can get to it here again.
It's great! Thanks again!
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Hey, it's not their fault. You can only play who you can play. If they hadn't played each other it would be different, but they did and the Giants won. The schedule's definitely been tougher for the Skins but it hasn't been as killer as you make it seem. They've only won one tough game and they've been mediocre against three mediocre teams.
So please clear something up for us once and for all because you've warbled and flip-flopped all over the place on this: Do you think the Redskins are the best team in the league or not? Are you going to be the only person on earth to put them #1 in your power rankings this week or not? Tell us already!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
I haven't "flip-flopped" on anything. I've just been making the argument.
But yep, I think the Skins are the best team in the NFL right now. I'm not the only one to think so by the way, there are computer rankings that agree, check the Sagarin rankings for one. Done purely on statistics.
I do think the Skins can beat any team in the league right now, they could also lose to any team in the league in the right now, that's the beauty of football and what makes it so much fun.
Just like this back and forth with you Osi, it's very good, I appreciate your passion and ability to bring a decent argument most of the time.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
And I appreciate your ability to root for the same crappy team year after year.
BTW, that one tough win the Skins do have may turn out to be against another overrated team. The Cows are the only team in the division to not have beat a team with a winning record.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Cheap shots will get you no where Osi! LOL
And like I said, the fact you are the ONLY idiot in the world who insists on belittling the Redskins' opponents really says all we need to know about your ability to offer an intelligent argument.
Intelligence isn't a strong suit of yours Osi, I haven't figured out what is, but I'm sure there is one.
Oh boy, you just get better and better.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
It's my good looks.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Very good Osi! LOL
Thanks for bringing your passion man, it has helped this discussion immensely.
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Kevin Coyle 9 months ago
Thanks for the comment and input Craig, I really liked this article. I am from the DC area but I live in NYC now so all I hear is Giants this-Giants that. I can't wait to hear what they say when the Redskins beat them later on the season. I think that this Redskin's team has a huge opportunity to go 15-1, lets hope they can stay on thier current track and keep going!!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Whoa! 15-1?!!!
It's possible I guess, but I'm just kinda gonna take it one or two weeks at a time, LOL (while quietly hoping that your dead on!)
And your welcome, and a thanks back atcha!
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James Williamson 9 months ago
If you think that the Skins are going to go 15-1, you're crazy. They have too tough a schedule, and there is no way that Dallas will roll over. In this division, 12-4 is a perfect season and Craig will back me on that.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
James, I do agree, I don't think any team in this division could really go 15-1, it's just too much to ask.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
I'll be satisfied if the Giants just make the playoffs. All I want is for one team that isn't the Giants to fall to the bottom of the division. Right now that looks like Philly.
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David Geller 9 months ago
My bad craig, i meant to respond to angel lol.
Yeah 15-1 is a stretch. Hell even at 4-0 right now I'd be thrilled if the Giants put up 11 or 12 wins. In this division with the tough schedule everyone shares, 13 wins would be incredible.
It's impossible to match production week to week in the NFL.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
It's cool David, I agree 13 would be pretty cool, I'd sure as hell take it!
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Luis Vazquez 9 months ago
All I can say is even in that first game the Redskins held them to 16 points!!!! One has been able to hold them for less than that. The Redskins are the BEST right now but will have to wait to prove it until the rematch.
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Luis Vazquez 9 months ago
All I can say is even in that first game the Redskins held them to 16 points!!!! One has been able to hold them for less than that. The Redskins are the BEST right now but will have to wait to prove it until the rematch.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
That's right Luis, the Skins played the G-Men better than anybody else has, and the offense was nowhere near ready for PrimeTime!
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David Geller 9 months ago
Luis, did you watch the first half of that game? We marched up and down the field on you guys then had bad playcalling the red zone. The second half all the WRs were out of game shape and it showed with the high humidity and lack of chemistry with Eli.
Don't beat your chest and call yourselves the best just yet. Things can change but right now the giants are better.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Come on David, explain why the G-Men are a better team. If you just THINK they're a better team, that's ok, but if you have something tangible to back it up, I really want to see it.
Bad play calling is relative, when it works, it's good, when it doesn't it's bad, not much of an argument, maybe the Skins defense just played better. And just in case you weren't sure, NFL football games are actually 60 minutes long, is this really the reason the G-Men couldn't do anything in the second half,
"The second half all the WRs were out of game shape and it showed with the high humidity and lack of chemistry with Eli."?
Really?
Boy, that's quite an argument, why didn't the Skins have that problem?
At least the Skins had the very real and tangible issue of a new offense and a rookie head coach.
The WRs were tired?!
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Luis Vazquez 9 months ago
Like I said The REDSKINS held NY to 16 points! Your superbowl champs. 10 points in the first quarter! Then G-men scored 6 points in the second quarter. If you see closely you can see the pattern. The skins are hard to score on in the second half! Had we had any, and I mean any offense the skins would have pulled the upset in NYC also. This team is better conditioned than anyone else. Dallas was a comeback, New Orleans was a comeback, and Philly was spotted 14 points, and that was a comeback. I'll even go out and say that had that game been on the Sunday like every other it would had been an UPSET. It was your game to be won, first game, ring ceremony, pep talk, etc. etc. You guys won but I really think the win was overrated. I guarantee you 16 points will not win you the game in DC.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Actually Craig, the Bengals played them closer than the Skins did. Even went to OT. That's not a testament to anything other than you're wrong about that.
And don't forget that week one was also the Giants' first game. Since then they've scored at least 26 points in every game. They were just getting warmed up too.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Wrong about what? I never mentioned the Bengals or the margin of victory. But since you bring it up, overtime? To beat the Bengals? At home? Yeah, it sounds like you've got a great team there!
Just getting warmed up too? with an established offense, established play caller, established head coach?
Yup, sounds like a valid point to me. NOT!
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
When you said what? When you said that "the Skins played the G-Men better than anybody else has."
First game of the season and you think they're going to be in Superbowl form already? That takes this team 17 weeks to accomplish.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Ok, I see your reference now.
17 weeks to get into Super Bowl shape, so you are predicting SB for the G-Men again this season Osi? I bet you picked that last year too didn't you?
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Yes I did actually -- right after that 4th and 20 bomb hit the ground with two seconds to go against the Pats.
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David Geller 9 months ago
Why are the Giants the better team? Whether you like it or not, defending champs and 4-0 gives us the right to think we are better than any team in the NFL. Especially the one we beat with relative ease on opening night. As impressive as you guys have been, it hasn't been much more impressive then the Giants to warrant them being considered "better." If you want to look at it from a talent standpoint, I'll show you the fact our QB is coming into his own, and has proven to be a force in the biggest spots. We have the best threesome of RBs in the league, and one of the best blocking FBs and o-lines in the league to boot.
On defense we got depth up front with extremely talented ends such as Tuck and Kiwanuka and studs in the middle with Robbins and Cofield. Our LBs are solid, we never hear their names much because the d-line is so effective from the initial point of the attack that it doesn't matter. And our DBs have been lights out this year.
Is that valid enough reasoning for you?
Want a reason why Giants WRs were tired? How about they barely played at all in pre-season and got absolutely no time in training camp to get in game shape? Couple the fact they were on the field for most of the game and the weather and it is valid. I'm not into excuses and all that, but it's the truth.
The only offensive production you guys got was a great return by Rock Cartwright, a BS facemask, and a nice pitch and catch to Moss. I don't buy the whole figuring out the playbook thing. If you guys looked that bad, ten days should not have made things click automatically. The common theme this year is that our defense has been great, and opening night was no exception.
You guys are a very good team. It's just asinine to say that you guys are a "much more complete team" then the same squad that beat you guys up on opening night and are 4-0.
If we lay an egg against the Browns this weekend then do things change? Hell yeah they do. But for now, we should be considered bnetter.
I think we just outplayed you guys, and were the better team
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Quarterback coming into his own: Jason Campbell has no turnovers yet this season, Eli can't say that.
D-line: while the Giants have better basic stats (sacks, slightly better rushing per game) they have played such weaker opponents, it's not even humorous
Linebacker: London Fletcher is 5th in the NFL in tackles and Rocky McIntosh is tied for 38th, the Giants don't have a single player in the top 50
Depth? The Skins defense just shutdown the league's 6th ranked offense (as of kickoff, we knocked 'em back considerably) without three defensive starters for the whole game, and a fourth for parts of the game.
Again, I made my points from as specific a standpoint as possible, I used little to NO subjective information such as "We have the best threesome of RBs in the league, and one of the best blocking FBs and o-lines in the league to boot." AND "Our LBs are solid, we never hear their names much because the d-line is so effective from the initial point of the attack that it doesn't matter. And our DBs have been lights out this year."
While Ill agree on the offensive line point and a Pierce at linebacker, the rest is purely subjective, there is nothing to back it up. By simple performance alone, one must consider the opposition, as I already wrote.
And "I don't buy the whole figuring out the playbook thing." Now there's a statement. But your ok with the idea that your WRs were out of game shape and couldn't handle the load?
And your defense has been "great" against crappy opponents, PERIOD. Simple fact David. And again, 9 point win is "relative ease"? If the Skins could have gotten out of their own way offensively, it wouldn't have ended that way, didn't you watch the game?
Even the one sack the G-Men got was a gift from JC, that wasn't Tuck beating anybody. Mind you, I think Tuck is ONE HECK OF A PLAYER, his quickness with his size and strength are incredible, but Stephon Heyer actually held him in check through much of the game.
It's ok David, this is only a discussion. None of it matters one dam bit, these teams will all play each other again and at that time we'll get the real answers.
Thanks for bringing it David, it's been fun!
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Stove Pipe 9 months ago
To both David and Craig's points, all of the data Craig uses, as well as the non quantified opinion of David is subjective.
The game is played on the field boys. On the field, the Giants won. It really doesn't matter who has the most tackles, the most pro bowlers or any other measurable rot. It only matters who wins when they line up, not even how they win.
4-0 is better than 4-1, especially if 4-0 beats 4-1. Case closed.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well, your point is a good one over all SP, the numbers I used in this article are IN NO WAY subjective, they are all based in fact. One can argue their relevance, but they are still fact. No subjectivity involved whatsoever.
And the whole point here was to do what I did, make a case that the Skins COULD be viewed as the best team in football, and I supplied simple, factual statistics to back it up.
That's all, case closed.
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Stove Pipe 9 months ago
Cool brother. Objective the facts are, to quote that famous sage Yoda.
Not to reopen the case, but although the objectivity of their existence is without doubt, their interpretation is indeed subjective.
I'm doing my level best to raise your comment count Craig, and I hope you realize mine are all in good fun!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Absolutely SP! And I appreciate it greatly, this is by far the most comments I have gotten on any of my articles, it's pretty cool.
And I agree that everything is open to interpretation, thus my point "One can argue their relevance, but they are still fact.", so I very much agree with your over all point.
And thanks, it is fun!
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Andrew Stephan 9 months ago
Sorry folks, the Giants are the best team. I don't understand how you can just push aside the fact that they beat you. Actually no, they dominated you. And while the Skins were squeaking out a tough win against the Eagles, the Giants were absolutely clobbering the Seahawks. I'm a Pats fan so it pains me to say this, but lets face it the Giants are just the best right now. They won't win it all though.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The Seahawks were dominated, the Skins were not. Period.
The Seahawks as good a team as the Eagles Andrew? You make the statement as though you feel that way, and if that's the case, you don't watch much football do you?
I already addressed your points about the Giants NOT being the better team. But that's ok Andrew, thanks for the comments, much appreciated!
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
I've already said what I want to about the Giants and Skins. But I want to point out that I said in around ten posts on Bleacher Report before the season began that the Beagles were highly overrated, and they're proving to be. There were a bunch of people predicting them to go 12-4 but there's a reason they were 5-8 last season before finishing 8-8. And this season they are likely to be 5-8 again. Which of course benefits both the Giants and the Skins.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Yep, I have seen your thoughts on the Eagles and mostly agree as well. But comparing the Seahawks to the Eagles is a bit much, don't you think?
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
The Eagles are better but not by a tremendous amount. If Philly had been at Giants Stadium last Sunday they would have lost by at least 25 too.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
That's the type of statement that caused me to write this article. "If Philly had been at Giants Stadium last Sunday they would have lost by at least 25 too."
Completely subjective, not based on anything real, nothing tangible.
I don't knock the idea that you think that the Giants are a better team, but the "case" I presented is based on real facts. Every counter to your points is based in fact, not such "opinion" based statements. It's easy to make statements bring something that is indisputable. Facts.
Any way, thanks for getting into Osi, your always fun, you usually make good points, and I appreciate you giving your thoughts.
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Andrew Stephan 9 months ago
I know that the Seahawks are not as good as the Eagles, but I don't care who you're playing, in the NFL, a 38 point win is incredible. The Redskins would not have clobbered the Seahawks, as demonstrated in their barely beating the Cardinals and Saints, two teams only slightly better than the Seahawks.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Ok, you just did it again. The Saints and Cardinals "only slightly better than the Seahawks"?
Your not helping yourself with statements like that.
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Andrew Stephan 9 months ago
Why? Do you think that the Cardinals are much better than the Seahawks? Or are you saying that they are really bad so it makes the Seahawks seem even worse? Because I wouldn't agree with either of those statements. The Seahawks have been really banged up this year, and in this game against the Giants they got a couple of their important wide receivers back. They're not all that bad, they just have had some injury problems. They're 1-3, but two of their losses are against the Giants and the Bills. As for the Cardinals, they beat the Bills without Trent Edwards, the 49ers, and the Dolphins so I would peg them as an average maybe 7-9 or 8-8 team this year. Same goes for the Saints. The Seahawks I would put at maybe 6-10 or 7-9.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well, since you insist on defending that point of view, I'll just say that the Seahawks are NOT EVEN CLOSE TO A DECENT TEAM RIGHT NOW. Whether it's because of injuries, or bad coaching, or the cheerleaders doesn't really matter, they are just bad.
The Saints and Cardinals are both capable of winning their division (I do realize that may not be saying all that much considering the divisions we're talking about), but they both are MUCH BETTER TEAMS THAN THE HAWKS ARE RIGHT NOW.
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Andrew Stephan 9 months ago
Ok fine whatever, I disagree that the Seahawks are that bad of a team, but I don't really care all that much to argue with you anymore. The important thing is that the Redskins kick the Giants and Cowboys ass in the playoffs so we don't have to see those jokers in the Super Bowl. Seriously, I'm living in DC right now and the Skins are kind of like my second team besides the Pats, so hopefully they can make a run. I would love to see the Giants get humiliated and I hope that you're right about the Redskins.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Alright Andrew, I'll take the sideways support for the Skins, take it anyway we can get it.
Thanks for the comments Andrew!
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Sayre Bedinger 9 months ago
Giants are the best team in the NFL. The Skins need to beat them before they can be the best.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Simple but effective.
Thanks Sayre, appreciate the comment.
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
Alright Alirght boys this is why were the best team in football Offense hasnt turned the ball over defense can handle their own and if you shutdown are top players we have great role players ex philly game no catches for moss we win the game still. As for NyG they have played the Bengals and The Rams a pop warner team could beat them it's more like a college game please quit saying o were the best team and all but before Tom Brady went down who was number 1 on all power rankings exactly the pats.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Good points Travis, thanks for stopping by.
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Matt Jono 9 months ago
Let's Go New York!
Sorry,
Just had to get that out. By the way, very well written article.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Very good Matt! LOL!
It's a lot of fun isn't it?!
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Matt Jono 9 months ago
Why Yes. :-)
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James Turner 9 months ago
Perfect article.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Thanks James, appreciate it.
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Buddy Smith 9 months ago
Hey dude,
Kudos to your and your team. Them for their wins and you for this piece.
80 comments is awesome. You obviously found something that people want to talk about!
I had to give you a shout out. And eat some crow. The Skins did my Cowboys in. I may be late but I didn't forget...then y'all went and took out my hometown Eagles. Eggs notwithstanding.
Found out why we call them the Eggles...and still won.
We'll see you in D.C later this year. Advantage Redskins.
Have a great week! Very nice work.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Thanks Buddy, it has turned out pretty good, I kinda thought it might generate some response, but I am surprised it has gotten as much as it has.
And thanks for the 'favorite' pick too Buddy, appreciate it!
And we'll be ready for the re-match, it'll be fun!
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Buddy Smith 9 months ago
After all what is a rivalry without people to enjoy it with?
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
You got that right Buddy. And this very much what I was hoping for with this article. I started initially to simply counter the crap so many are putting out that the Skins' success is somehow NOT IMPRESSIVE, but as I got into it I realized it would be much better to open it up to debate, so I tried to do just that with my presentation.
I guess I finally got one right in that regard!
Thanks again for the comments.
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Bob Baumbarger 9 months ago
I'm not a Redskins fan but I have to say they are playing real good ball right now but it's to early to crown them the best team after five weeks.we will see later in the year and/or until someone beats the Giants this year(don't like them at all) so for now the Redskins are not the best in the NFC right now. The Redskins for sure in the top 5 in the NFC but not the best yet and don't over look the Panthers.so here who I think are the top 5 teams in the NFC as of week 5
1 Giants who are 5-0 (who will knock them off the top spot?maybe the redskins in week 13 but we will see)
2 Redskins who are 4-1(beat bye the Giants in week 1 but playing real good ball since so we will see)
3 Cowboys who are 4-1 (not sure they deserve to be #3 but for now they are.MAYBE overrated)
4 Panthers who are 4-1 (playing very good ball! if they win Sunday they move to #3 or higher)
5 Buccaneers who are 3-2 (not sure what to think! but if they lose sunday they are out of the top 5)
GO PANTHERS!!!!!
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The Panthers are going to be heard before the season is over for sure, but they're difficult to judge at this point.
Keep in mind that my point here is about 'right now', not at the end of the season, or at the beginning of the season, but right now.
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Shawn Cohn 9 months ago
Guys, Guys, How quickly you all forget my dear Cowboys. I agree, the Redskins are playing excellent football right now, and Dallas, not so much. You still have to put into Consideration, it's only the ending of the first quarter of the season. They have many games yet to play, to prove themselves. The cowboys are very much so, a second half team. They win the majority of their games in the second half of games, and I expect them to really show up in the second HALF of the season. So, no matter how great Washington is playing as of late, They still have 10 games.
I know Dallas lost at home, but not everyone can go 16-0, can they? No, they can't. Even the best of teams lose at one point.
Anyways, Yes, the redskins are playing great. They will make the playoffs, but they will not win the division. The cowboys are being completely downplayed because they lost once. Don't count them out just yet.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The 'Boys are being counted out by any means, again my point here was that the Redskins could easily be seen as the best team now.
Time and playing the games is the only way to work this out over the season, so all of this only sets up some great games later in the year.
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David Geller 9 months ago
Tackles aren't exactly the best stat to post in trying to hype up your own players. Dhani Jones leads the league.
What isn't true about what I said about the Giants? Name a better threesome of backs. How about a better blocking FB then Hedgecock? And there's no disputing that the Giants have one of the best o-lines in the league. All that stuff is the truth, it's not being a homer. Our secondary has been lights out this year, is that not true? I know the quality of opponents has been crap but our coverage has been very good. That's a fact.
We're playing the schedule that was given to us and have done pretty damn well with it.
And Eli has only one turnover. Doesn't make Campbell better then him. You can't take Campbell ahead of Eli right now based on four games. He's never sniffed the type of pressure Eli went through and succeeded in.
Our D has been great against crappy teams but don't you think its becoming a trend? They beat up on 4 straight pro bowl QBs in the playoffs last year, including the best offense on all time. Whether you like it or not, that IS relevant.
Don't you think the Skins not having the ability to "get out of their own way" had something to do with the Giants D? We shut you guys down for four quarters, yet its because of the Skins playing poor on offense? You were just ripping me for that same exact statement, stay consistent at least.
Face it, the game was won with relative ease. The first half we mauled you guys, and the second half was sloppy on both sides. You can't possibly say you guys are better then us after we did that, AND are still undefeated.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Again, subjective reasoning wasn't my point, it's too easy to do that, I put together as much factual information as I could to simply make a point.
And yes, I would take JC over Eli, and NO I don't the Giants D had as much to do with the Skins futility on offense as their own problems, and there is nothing to face in regards to that game, the Giants didn't win with ease.
Again, subjectivity is easy, and mine doesn't match yours, which is to be expected.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
As Johnny Mac would say:
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!
You'd take Campbell over Manning? Really? And we're supposed to take anything you take seriously after that?
Here's what your BCS argument boils down to: If Michigan was 4-0 with a win over Ohio State in the season opener they'd be ranked higher than Ohio State even if OSU had beaten USC, Penn State and Georgia. They'd be ahead in the standings in the conference and they'd also be ahead in the polls. Which may explain why the Giants are ahead in every poll except yours.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The simple reality is that Manning has been erratic his entire career. I watched him in college, and I've watched him in the NFL, he's erratic, period. I don't want an erratic quarterback.
I am a believer in consistency is the key to success. And Campbell has shown that through out most of his career, all the way back to Auburn.
Eli had a GREAT run last year, and is playing pretty good ball now, but look at how his numbers against the Skins, if the Skins could have gotten on track offensively, I guarantee you Giants fans would have been all over the guy for his performance in that game.
Yes, Campbell over Eli.
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Erin Pinner 9 months ago
Im new to this so be easy guys! ;)
Being a diehard skins fan since my parents were putting me in burgundy and gold sleepers, i have to say the skins as of NOW are a better team. Obviouly im a bit partial and am trying to savor this 4-1 start as much as possible. Too many years watching the ball bounce the wrong way for my skins...
However I understand Osi and David not letting us "Hogs" dethrown their G-men just yet. I mean if we were defending super bowl champs would we sit idle while opposing fans started laying claim to the title of "BEST"? Especially another team in our division. A resounding 'hell no' from my corner.
It's healthy to go to blogging battle for your hometown team. Every stat at your fingertips and numerous reasons to believe your team is better from one week to the next (one could even make an arguement for the Dolphins :) ) Let us not forget however, stats and schedules aside that this awesome game is not played amongst our keyboards and screens but between the white lines! Remember gentleman... 'Any Given Sunday'
HAIL!!!
see u g-men nov. 30th
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Your post makes me think I should be buying my son big blue sleepers.
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David Geller 9 months ago
very good erin!
I can understand where the excitement comes from... i just think you skins fans are getting a little carried away. All I'm saying is we beat you guys, and haven't lost a game yet, and are the defending champs, so it's our right to think we are the better team.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Nice Job Erin, and I agree David, I never said you guys don't have the right to believe the G-Men are the best team, the same can be said for Titans by the way, I simply made a point that the Skins can say the same thing and offered reasons as to why then can do it.
Been fun man, this is what makes this so much fun!
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Erin Pinner 9 months ago
Absolutely. It's just that its been a long time since the skins have been able to take it to decent competition with some sense of consistency. Im not a stats freak, so I can't spout the numbers like some of you guys. Im just saying from Sunday to Sunday the skins are looking like a team that believes in themselves and a rookie coach's game plan.
On paper both teams have a fair shot at being number 1 through week 5. Be it via schedule or point differential. I am intrigued by this whole arguement and believe both sides to be correct for their given opinions. Remember though! STATS LIE!!! The G-Men should believe this more than anyone bc no stat had ur boys in blue taking it to the pretty boy brady and his well oiled patriot machine. My heart was with you in feb. You just can't have it now :)
Last thought...Strahan himself said his Giants should be happy they played the skins they did instead of this skins team now...Just throwing it out there :)
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Excellent stuff Erin, and agreed all around.
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Michoel Botwinick 9 months ago
Without any factual basis, I have a feeling that the 'Skins will be going down very soon, and quickly.
One thing is for sure -- even right now they are NOT the best team in football.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
For sure huh? Explain it then Michoel.
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Michoel Botwinick 9 months ago
For sure -- because STATISTICS show that, unlike what you may WANT to believe, that at least the Giants are better than the 'Skins.
There is no way you can argue against that.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
What statistics? I posted a bunch of stats that suggest otherwise, Osi brought some pretty good stuff earlier(stuff that I was able to counter, successfully or not, I had a counter to it), so put up something real.
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Pepe 9 months ago
There was a fundamental difference between the Giants and the Redskins in week 1. The Redskins were a team that had a new head coach coach, a new offense, a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, and a new system in general of the way things operated. Their coach was also new to being a coach, a coordinator, a playcaller, and a gameplanner.
The Giants, however, retained the same coaching staff, the same offensive and defensive schemes, and the same system of running things. They also returned mostly the same team (actually lost talent from last year). The Giants know what they are, they know what they can be. They showed it that game. And in that game, they were better. There's no question about it.
BUT, the fundamental difference b/w the teams is that the Redskins had an unknown ceiling. There's no knowing just how good the Redskins could be. They had MILES of room for improvement. We know how good the Giants are. We also know the Giants are good enough to win a Super Bowl (respective to last year's teams). But given the Redskins room for improvement, they very well could end up better than the Giants. Have they done it yet? That's comes down to one's opinion. But the early signs on improvement are very, very good.
In all, the team the Giants played in week 1 is NOT the same team that will play the Rams this week, and will not be the same team the Giants play when they come to Fed Ex on Nov. 30. It remains to be seen whether or not the Redskins have surpassed the Giants.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Nice job Pepe, like your points, very good.
And your also right that only time and playing the games will tell us for sure.
Thanks for the comments.
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Michael Schlossberg 9 months ago
you've got very reasonable points... i would still have to say the skins are 2nd right behind the Giants... The Giants beat them and frankly made them look silly in the 16-7 defeat...
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
"made them look silly"? LOL
Thanks Michael, appreciate the comments. It is a difficult argument, but it's fun none the less!
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Jon 9 months ago
Although I've been a skins fan for 40+ years, I'm surprised as anyone that they've done this well given such a tough road schedule. Although the scores were all close, the skins were really able to control every game except the first one.
At this exact point in time, are they the best team??? I would like to say yes, but the g-men did dominate us in that first game. If the g-men and skins played this Sunday at Fed-ex field, who would win?? I think it's still a toss up but I don't have any doubts that the skins would be in the game.
Regardless, I'm thrilled the skins are doing this well. There's a lot of season left and I don't have any delusions of going 15-1. It's reasonable to expect a to make the playoffs and from there anything is possible - just ask the Giants from last year.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Very much agree Jon, it's a long season and anything can happen.
Thanks commenting.
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Scott Harris 9 months ago
No, the Redskins are not the best team in football.
They lost to the Giants, who are the best team in football. They beat Dallas and Philadelphia, sure, but raise your hands if you think Dallas or Philadelphia are better than the Giants... I see no hands, okay, point made. The Redskins aren't going to sweep the remaining divisional match-ups, so they are headed for at least 3 more losses.
It really kills me how sensational sports journalism can get some times. Perhaps Dallas and Philadelphia aren't as good as everyone assumed they would be... I mean, isn't the latter 2-3, with a loss against second-rate Chicago? Both those teams have monster hype, with nothing to back it up.
If pressed right now, I'd say that New York wins of the division, with Dallas and Washington as wildcard teams. But please.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
So, what your bringing to this discussion is "But please"? OK.
Very insightful, appreciate the comments Scott!
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Tanner Kluth 9 months ago
Scott, you damn well know the Redskins are NOT the same team they were against the Giants. Not even close.
The Giants have had THE EASIEST first five games of ANY TEAM IN THE NFL. And I mean that literally. Besides the Redskins, they have beaten teams with a combined ONE win.
On the other hand, the Redskins have had THE HARDEST first five games of ANY TEAM IN THE NFL.
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Jennifer Johnson 9 months ago
Really an undefeated team is the best team in the NFL? Wow way to go out on a limb Giant fans.
Admit it. If the Redskins hadn't lost to the G-men who are playing terrific football, the argument that the Skins are better would be stronger than it is now.
If they beat the Rams, Browns and Lions, and then beat Pittsburgh, that would make it 8 straight victories and cause for the argument that the NFC East might have the best teams ever assembled in one division, atleast record wise.
Cooley on his blog on redskins.com said that the team responded to the Thursday night season opener as an extension of the preseason. The Skins weren't "awake" and played a vanilla game to use his words. They love Jim Zorn's play calling and are totally up for the task of going deep in the playoffs. That is the reality, not a dream.
The Giants are loving life having already throttled the Seahawks and Rams. To be outscoring opponents by 17 points, is hardly something to brag about. I will take the battle tested team over the cakewalkers any day.
Those same "awful" Eagles, who have lost Brian Westbrook and were missing their top offensive lineman, Shaun Andrews against the Skins managed 37 points against the Dallas "America's team by aching arse" Cowboys. Tired of these teams getting the respect without proving it week in and week out. Excuses are for the losers. That goes for the Redskins too if they drop a game in the next three weeks.
Call me when Romo actually wins a meaningful game. They don't hand out Super Bowls for top fantasy QBs.
Eli made my evening complete when he threw that 4th down pass to David Tyree. The Belicheats didn't deserve the perfect record. So helmet to helmet on that awesome chain of events.
We shall see who really is deserving of the beast of the East title this year.
"It's the sport of kings, better than diamond rings. Football."
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David Geller 9 months ago
Sounds like Cooley is making excuses for that game more than anything else.
If you guys beat us opening night, and went on to win the last 4 the way you have, I would say you are the better team.
But we beat you guys, have won 3 straight, and are defending champs. It is what it is. Giants>Skins... for now.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Jennifer, this is great stuff, thanks for the input.
Cooley wasn't making excuses David, he was talking about how they dealt with it AFTERWARD, not heading into it. There were NOT ready yet, offensively anyway, so they could only chalk it up as a learning experience and move on.
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Osi Umenyiora 9 months ago
Cooley may have or may not have been making excuses, but a lot of people here are. You want to see an eight game winning streak Jennifer? You have to look no further than the Giants, who haven't lost since week 17 last year against the Pats. Since then they've beaten six of last year's playoff teams and yet they get bashed here because they had the Rams and Seahawks early on their schedule. Yet when the Skins beat the Rams this week that will undoubtedly be some kind of great stepping stone on the road to the Jim Zorn dynasty.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
I don't think anybody has "bashed" the Giants Osi, just making an argument that the Skins just might be playing better ball than anybody in the NFL right NOW.
That's all.
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M 9 months ago
Gotta show some love to my newly adopted Redskins.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
And thanks fot it too Michael!
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Ryan Gaydos 9 months ago
Yes it might be quite possible that the Redskins are the best team in the NFL. But I hardly doubt that since the New York Giants are still undefeated and have a win over the Redskins on their schedule.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The statistics point to the possibility, it's a pretty good argument, that's all I was presenting here.
Thanks for commenting Ryan!
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Ryan Gaydos 9 months ago
no problem, hopefully your Redskins do come out on top atleast once in this lifetime
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
once in this lifetime? it's only been 16 years since the last, it's LOT more than MOST teams can say.
And I do believe they are on the right track now, Zorn seems to have this team behind him, they just need to stay focused.
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Ryan Gaydos 9 months ago
Jim Zorn. Who would've thought that he would be having a great season so far?
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well I certainly didn't think it would happen this fast, but I did think the guy just might be the one. It took a little research to learn about him, but once I did, and then spent some time at camp, watching him work with the players, I thought he'd be damn good.
But I was expecting the Skins would get through this stretch at 3-2, and didn't expect the type of games we've seen. But I, for one, am not really surprised at all.
And you know what's sad, the poor Seahawks fans are going crazy, I was reading some Hawks forums this week, and many fans are pretty upset that their FO didn't keep Zorn in the fold, but they weren't saying that six months ago.
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Ryan Gaydos 9 months ago
OH man that's right he was the Seahawks Quarterbacks coach I'm pretty sure. Hasselbeck is not doing as well as he should this year, but then again Engram and Branch were injured and John Carlson is only a rookie I believe.
If I were a Seahawk ran I would be going crazy as well since they got man-handled by the Giants 44-6 this past Sunday.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Yeah, that's right, he was the QB coach for seven years. The funny thing is, he went back to Seattle hoping they would offer him something, the OC maybe would have been enough, but instead, they guaranteed the head coaching job to Jim Mora next year when Holmgren retires, very crazy stuff, and there are quite a few fans up there that are not happy about it.
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Ryan Gaydos 9 months ago
Yeah I could see why.
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Fred Richani 9 months ago
Personally, I think the Giants are the best right now, but if there was such a thing as on the job training—Coach Zorn and the 'Skins personify it. They are definitely a better team than people think and could be dangerous if they make the playoffs.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Good points Fred, it's been a fun argument. While I do think the Skins are playing the best overall football in the NFL right now, I fully understand the argument against.
As you note, one thing is for sure, their a dangerous football team right now, and for Skins fans, that's great.
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Jim Graham 9 months ago
Here's a fact everyone seems to forget about the Redskins in week 1: Jason Campbell was playing his first meaningful football since suffering a serious knee injury in week 12 of last season that knocked him out for the year. Just another thing in addition to new coach, new offense, Giants riding huge wave of emotion, etc that made Week 1 essentially a worst case scenario season opener. And while the Redskins obviously played very poorly, let's not forget that the mighty Giants mustered a not-so-mighty 16 points in that game (compared to their 37 point average in the 3 cupcake games they have played since). And after the 1st quarter, the Redskins outscored the Giants 7-3. The Giants just annihilated the Skins out of the gate, which you would sort of expect given the circumstances. In total, the Giants were still held over 150 yards below their average, and some 15 points below their season average.
A lot of commenters seem to be failing to grasp the distinction between 'best resume', and 'team currently playing the best football' (the topic the author was focusing on). Doesn't mean you can't say that the Giants deserve both titles, but it does mean that saying "OMG! But the Giants beat the Skins 5 weeks ago!!" is missing the point.
The best thing going for the Redskins is that, of their 11 games remaining, only 4 are against good teams (3 division foes and the Steelers) and all 4 of those games are at home. Of the remaining 7 games, their opponents are currently a combined 6-24. That's pretty damn bad. Things can certainly change, but it's hard to imagine Washington not emerging with less than 11 win given that schedule if they stay reasonably healthy. And 13 wins isn't out of the realm of possibility.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Very good points Jim, I hadn't spelled out the specific stats against the Giants (I probably should have) but you hit it right on the head.
That was exactly my point, it really doesn't matter one IOTA what we all think anyway, but I wanted to make a case none the less.
Thanks for the comments Jim!
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Thomas 9 months ago
I'm gonna have to say that they're the best at this point in the season. Sure the Giants are 4-0, but other that Washington, they've played teams you expect them to beat - Cincinatti, Seattle and St. Louis
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Yep, that was my point, when considering all of the information and not just the obvious, it points to the Skins being the ones.
Thanks for comment Thomas!
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matt delaney 9 months ago
They still havent beaten the world champions.., no one has, therefore the new york giants are still the best in the nfl
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matt delaney 9 months ago
the still haven't beaten the defending world champions.., no has, therefore the new york giants are still the best in football
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well, not exactly. Just because they haven't been beaten this year, doesn't mean their the best team in football. If that is you only point, then the Titans are the best team in football right, 5-0 is better than 4-0. So no, the Giants are NOT the best team even by your standards.
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fred smoot 9 months ago
this guy osi is a prick nuff said
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Well, that wasn't part of this debate, and I guess nobody felt your comment needed to be considered(that could be a vote of absolute agreement or simple disregard), so I'll just say thanks for commenting!
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Bernell Jones 9 months ago
Glad to see the redskins are doing well. BIG UP TO JASON CAMPBELL, finally a Auburn quaterback playing well in the NFL. WAR EAGLE!!!
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Keith Parise 9 months ago
First things first. I'm a Redskin fan and always have been. The Giants are better based on a head to head matchup. Was the Giants schedule easier so far? Of course it was, but every game is contested in the NFL and you know what? The good teams beat the opponents they are supposed to. The Giants have done it. However, the Redskins have won their games in an unexpected dominant fashion. Not in terms of the final score, but the way they have ruled the line of scrimmage and competed physically with some very physical teams. As much as I have my seat warm on the band wagon, we have to go back to my previous point. Will the Redskins beat the teams they are supposed to beat. I believe the next three games are critical in their development. They are supposed to win. But they better win just as the Giants have done during the loose part of their schedule.
Here is something I have been pondering for the last couple of weeks and it is relevant to the conversation at hand: Don't the 2008 Redskins look alot like the 2007 Giants. They are both teams that started a bit slow, but with team work, no domninant superstars and a very physical style of play, they have been able to get everybody on the same page and rolling in same direction. Time will tell, but I will be there for every second.