Please Washington, Give Your Fans Something To Cheer About!

Although mathematically still alive in the playoff hunt, the Washington Redskins have sunk faster than the Titanic in six short weeks.

Over this six-week span, the 'Skins’ record is 1-5. 

They hit a new low for the season in last week’s embarrassing loss to the previously 1-11-1 Cincinnati  Bengals. (Better known for their poor play as the “Bungles.”)

Classy Coach Zorn came out publicly, and blamed himself for the string of terrible performances calling himself “the worst coach in America.”

Anyone that is expecting major changes in the two games the 'Skins' have left are going to be disappointed.

If Washington (7-7) can muster wins in their final two games, they finish with a winning record.

The burgundy and gold need to show up, if not for their own confidence, but to restore their fans’ faith in them.

My Christmas wish is that they play with passion.

Act like they still want to be in pads, and dig their mitts in the dirt against the hated Filthadelphia Eagles.

Sundays are my escape from reality, and lately reality has been so much easier to take than sitting through an entire Redskins game.

This is not the same team that started 6-2.

Whether the losing streak began because of inconsistent play-calling, inept execution of the plays being called, or injuries, the air in Washington is stinky at the present time.

Here are my thoughts as to what I observed from the Redskins through the highs of winning early, to the pain of losing late in the season.

In the victory against the Cowboys in Week four (Jim Zorn’s only appearance at Texas Stadium) the Redskins run defense stuffed the Boys’ running game like a Thanksgiving Turkey.

Dallas’ elusive, energizer bunny, better known as running back Marion Barber, was held to a paltry 26 yards.

For the game, they managed only 44 yards gained. In contrast, Dallas could not contain the league’s second leading rusher, Clinton Portis. Portis punished the behemoth Dallas defensive linemen, racking up 121 yards respectively.

Zorn put together a game plan that used Portis’ bruising runs to open up the passing lanes for QB Jason Campbell to complete throws to his receivers.

Santana Moss enjoyed a high octane day as well. No. 89 scorched Dallas’ secondary for 145 yards, as Campbell was given the time to see the plays develop.

When the running game is working, the defense will have to respect the line by using an extra man to keep containment. 

That leaves single-man coverage, and the ability for the receivers to get separation from their defensive opponent. It is almost impossible to keep up with a speedy wideout, once he is already running in full stride.

NFL observers have determined the average time a defensive back can keep up with his offensive foe is six seconds.

In this game, the Redskins controlled the tempo, protected the ball with no turnovers, and executed enough plays for a 26-24 win. Washington’s weaknesses in pass protection emerged in Week Seven versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Clinton Portis was held to 51 yards rushing, and Jason Campbell was sacked seven times.

CP’s string of five straight games with 120 yards or more was sacked too.

Washington committed two turnovers of the season, via the interception.

To make matters worse, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger got hurt and did not play in the second half.

Has been or never was depending on opinion, Byron Leftwich led the Steelers on two touchdown drives, defeating the lifeless 'Skins, 23-6.

As I recall, local media outlets blamed the hometown fans for not showing up to the game.

That irked me, because that was a cosmetic reaction to what had just occurred.

More Steelers jerseys in the stands did not contribute to the inefficiency of the pass blocking, or the coach’s lack of confidence in Campbell to stretch out the field.

This is a problem for Zorn, that he deftly deflects in interviews. “I have asked the players for so much, I hesitate to give them too much too soon.”

I am not buying that statement, Slim Jim.

Mike Sellers fumbling in the end zone with less than a yard to go against the Bengals was putrid. If Washington was ever at their lowest point, it was after this play. What is so complicated about a player failing to execute the simplest of tasks?

You have four downs to complete a touchdown and to come away with no points, and a turnover is inexcusable. I believe you have adjusted your coaching style to fit the limited skills of your players.

There are two exemplary players, whose skills have been the most consistent during this roller coaster ride. Clinton Portis and London Fletcher deserve high marks for contributing to their seven wins

C.P. averages 4.6 yards a carry with 1,337 total yards gained.

His yards per game average has slipped in the second half of the season, but is still a fighting 95.5.

London Fletcher leads the team in tackles yet again with a total of 118. (84 solo tackles)

He has suited up for all 14 games, and demonstrates leadership qualities that have made him an outstanding player throughout his career.

Without them, the 'Skins’ record would be similar to the Bengals, Lions, and Raiders.

No one wants to admit that. Jim Zorn deserves to prove he can handle adversity. Negativity breeds contempt. The 'Skins need to build a foundation based on trust.

Keep the primary coaches in place and get younger on the offensive line. Target later picks in the draft, for that small school standout, a la Chris Horton. Stay away from receiver and running back.  

Special teams, and the kicking game must improve. Suisham is last in the NFL, missing nine field goals while only making 25 of his 34 attempts. If a kick is over 40 yards, it has no chance to be good.

“Wide right should be his new nickname if is kept on next year’s roster.

I wonder what Chip Lohmiller is doing these days? John Carney is still kicking darts at age 44 for the New York Giants.

Norval Eugene Turner is not about to help out his old nemesis Daniel Snyder, so they will just have to find help elsewhere.

In some ways succeeding has brought unrealistic expectations for this team.

Three Super Bowl wins haunt the memories of longtime fans that we forget it is not an exact science to put together a winning season.

We must remain patient.

With that being said, I will end this article on a positive note.

I ask the Redskins to compete this Sunday. Play the role of spoiler and work on your individual effort to grab these last two wins. Be tireless. Rest assured, I will root, root, root, root for the home team 'til the game clock reads zero.

Take that to the house boys!

Notes

Fullback Mike Sellers, Running back Clinton Portis, Tight End Chris Cooley, and injured left tackle Chris Samuels made the Pro Bowl.

Samuels is expected to be out five to six months with a 50 percent tear in his right triceps muscle. (Randy Thomas missed all but one full game last year with the same injury)

Middle linebacker London Fletcher will not be making the annual trip to Hawaii, and has not been once in his 11-year career.

Washington is ranked fifth in overall defense, and have a tough test against the versatile Brian Westbrook.

Beware of the screen passes, and let Donovan try to beat you with his arm.

Prediction: Redskins: 14   Eagles: 24