Redskins Newsletter

Volume 12 #7

October 29, 2007

The undefeated Patriots routed the Redskins, 52-7. The Redskins started the game the fifth ranked defense in the NFL, and finished the game sustaining their worst loss since 1961 when the New York Giants beat them 53-0. It is the fourth worst lost in the Redskins franchise.

Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. Three fumbles by Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell resulted in 17 points for the Patriots. The Redskins avoided a shutout when Campbell threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Chris Cooley with three minutes left.

Washington's plan was to try to run the ball, however, nothing the Redskins tried seemed to work. But try as the Redskins might, they couldn't run the ball.

"They kicked our butts, they really did," said tackle Todd Wade. "I don't know of a weakness that they have," Coach Gibbs said.

Redskins’ linebacker London Fletcher said, "I still don't believe it happened.... It's an utter embarrassment. Fletcher called the defeat the worst he has endured in his life.

I have heard on the radio this morning and read on the internet the question of whether the Patriots crossed an unwritten rule of etiquette when they ran up the score. Late in the game, Bill Belichick told Tom Brady to convert a fourth-down play in an attempt to drive the score higher. It is a tactic called running up the score. And it is rarely done in professional football, and especially against a Hall of Fame coach. So when Brady converted and later scored a touchdown, the question is asked: Did Belichick go to far.

Reportedly Gibbs was not happy and after the game, he barely shook Belichick's hand as he quickly left the field.

Later, when asked about the play, Belichick answered: "What do you want us to do, kick a field goal?" Then shrugged.

I say bring on the Super Bowl champs, the Indianapolis Colts, also 7-0. The Patriots play them Sunday at Indianapolis, where the Patriots had their last loss, and hopefully their next lost.

Trivia: Last week’s question: In another draft blunder the Redskins selected QB Norm Snead in the 1961 draft. They overlooked what future Hall of Famer? Fran Tarkenton.

This week’s question: What NFL teams were the last to integrate their rooster.

beganjrfl@comcast.net