Redskins Newsletter

Volume 12 #13

December 9, 2007

Redskins beat Bears 24-16

CAMPBELL HURT IN REDSKINS' WIN

Todd Collins came into the game replacing injured starter Jason Campbell, and threw two touchdown passes to lead the Redskins in a 24-16 victory over the disappointing Chicago Bears. It also ended a four game losing streak.

Collins who last completed a pass in 2004 said after the game: "We've been through a lot. We really didn't have any practice time this week, dealing with the death of a teammate and a funeral.” On his play Collins commented: "I've been preparing ... for literally hundreds of games. This was really the first time I was able to go in and get to play in a situation that really mattered."

Of the game, Coach Gibbs reported: "It seems like it's been forever since we won a game. This team's overcome so much. ... It's been an emotional roller coaster for us.... It's been such a struggle for us. It's been hard for anybody to laugh or have some fun."

Both teams had a short turnaround from games Sunday, but the Redskins' preparation was even more limited. The entire organization traveled to Florida for the funeral of Sean Taylor on Monday.

"We got closure on Monday, and that's one of the things that helped us," defensive end Phillip Daniels said. "To get closure and move forward, that was big for us, for this team."

Campbell’s problems began in the second quarter, when he was hit on his right (throwing) arm. He left for one play, allowing Collins to record his first NFL completion in three years, a 5-yarder to Reche Caldwell.

Campbell returned on Washington's next possession, but only for three plays before leaving the game with a dislocated left kneecap. The Redskins' medical staff quickly placed an air cast on Campbell's left leg and drove him away. Campbell will have an MRI exam, and the Redskins said they would wait for those results before offering any prognosis.

Bears quarterback Grossman also left the game injured. His replacement, Brian Griese, threw interceptions on consecutive passes in the second quarter, both picked off by cornerback Shawn Springs. He returned the first interception 53 yards, setting up Collins' 21-yard touchdown pass to another backup, tight end Todd Yoder, to put Washington in the lead 7-0.

Todd Collins played exceptionally well. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and a 144.6 passer rating. About Collins Coach Gibbs said: "I don't know that I've ever had a better performance coming off the bench. Ever.” It's got to be one of the highlights of Collins's 13-year career, to come in from the bullpen and perform as he did.

The temperature was 26 degrees at kickoff. Among the injuries this game was: Daniels (sprained knee), running back Clinton Portis (stomach illness and bruised hand), right guard Randy Thomas (elbow) and cornerback Fred Smoot (cramps). Also, Redskins tight end Chris Cooley limped off the field with a bruised shin but returned later. Clinton Portis, also hurt, made it back, but was limited to 36 yards rushing on 17 carries.

There were plenty of blunders on both sides: turnovers, missed field-goal attempts, penalties; Lots of penalties, 10 in the third quarter alone.

This game says something about the Redskins and their professionalism that they were able to marshal their emotions and play competitively in such a short time with so little preparation in the days following Sean Taylor's death, the crushing loss Sunday to the Buffalo Bills and Taylor's funeral Monday. It doesn’t seem possible but the Redskins are still in the playoff chase with a 6-7 record and three games to go in the soft NFC.

Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon said it best for me this season about the Redskins: they prove “themselves to be just good enough to break your heart.”

Last weeks trivia question was: What was Joe Gibbs first year with the Redskins and what was his record? Answer: 1981: Under Joe Gibbs the Redskins get off to a terrible start losing their first 5 games, as fans started calling for the ouster of the 1st Year Coach. The Redskins would go on to finish the season on a strong note by taking 6 of their final 8 to finish with an 8-8 record.

This week’s question is: After loosing his first 5 games and finishing with an 8-8 record, what did Coach Gibbs do the second year?

beganjrfl@comcast.net