Redskins Newsletter

Volume 12 #1

September 10, 2007

Well, it is finally here, after 281 days (from the Super Bowl) Redskins football is really back. And it was done with a win. Unlike last year when the Skins started the season with a loss at home. The Redskins got the morale boost they needed with a 16-13 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins. Although we must remember that the Dolphins are a rookie-heavy, rebuilding team with a new coach and a new quarterback.

Shaun Suisham kicked three field goals, including a 39-yarder 5:36 into the extra period, and Randle El, the game’s most dynamic player, had a big hand in all of Washington's points with his career-high 162 yards receiving.

Campbell, who became the starter with seven games remaining last year, finished 12-for-21 for 222 yards and two ugly unnecessary first down into coverage interceptions.

After the game Coach Gibbs said: "It was critical for us to go out there and get a win today. First game of the season, opening up at home. We're in the business of winning ball games. It doesn't matter how we get it done." The victory came with a heavy price. It is reported that right tackle Jon Jansen broke his right ankle early in the second quarter and could be out for the season.

The Redskins won the toss to start overtime, took the kickoff and drove 58 yards in 10 plays, all but two runs by Portis and Ladell Betts. Portis ran 9 yards to Miami's 22 to set up Suisham's kick, which came on first down. Coach Joe Gibbs now sent in the field goal team, even though a 39-yard kick is no certainty. I think that with a running back like John Riggins, Coach Gibbs would have run the ball down the Dolphins' throats.

"I have lost two games here in the past three years by needing a field goal, but trying to make more," Gibbs said, after Suisham's kick . "Bad things happen to you. Holding penalties, fumbles. I'm sure I was called some names. I said, 'Hey, look, I'm not passing up a chance at winning a football game . . . I have learned my lesson on that. . . . My heart was in my throat. I'm sure you guys would have let it slide," Gibbs said.

Now the Redskins head to Philadelphia with a win and a shot at the Eagles. After the Eagles, the Redskins play the Giants and the Lions at home. Those two games should go in the win column. So The Redskins could be looking at 4-0 or 3-1.

"The win is huge," tight end Chris Cooley said. "Season openers set a big standard for the team." Ladell Betts thoughts were the same: "It was critical to win the first game. Doesn't matter how. At the end of the season, nobody cares."

A MESSAGE FROM BOBBE ........YES !! We had the "SPIRIT" going and we got the "WIN" ! With a new "REDSKIN CONSTRUCTION WARNING BARRICADE" flashing it's red(skin) light for all to see and enjoy, with a large new Fan Club sign on the wall, with new penalty flags for use when needed and with bright shiny gold and burgundy BEADS for each fan -- how could we not win ???

Thirty seven hopping and hollering fans saw our Skins defeat the Dolphins in overtime to get our season rolling. We welcomed 4 new fans -- Jeff, Dick, Brad and Mike and we welcomed Scott back as our "server". The Fan Club shirt was won by Melissa and Trivia Winners were: Rosemary (1st & 3rd quarters) Steven (2nd quarter) and Norton (4th quarter). Our raffle supply is LOW so please bring in your donations. Next week we play the Eagles in the Monday night game (9/17) and we're hoping YOU will be there with us at the Dog House. We are the 12th man -- miles away !!

It is with a saddened heart that we learned of the passing of Ross Littrell, a longtime Fan Club member. We extend our sympathy to his family and friends -- he will be missed.

Reminding you of our ANNUAL TAILGATE PARTY --- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd --- Festivities get underway at 3 P.M. Kickoff at 4 P.M.---- We've got an autographed poster in the raffle for this game!

We need a slogan to help us get to the playoffs -- submit your ideas NOW -- WE WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL IN JANUARY !!!!!

GO SKINS !!!!!

Trivia: 1996 was the last year the Redskins were at RFK Stadium. What team did the Redskins play in their last game in the stadium? (I was there.)

GO SKINS!!!!!!!!!