The Brutal Reality

There are many reasons why the Washington Redskins are not a very good football team right now. But reluctantly I must now concede the number one reason is a fella named Joe.

Joe, (can I call you 'Joe'?) we love you. And I still remember how excited we were when owner Dan Snyer (another of the reasons but we'll save that for another blog) somehow convinced you to do an encore. But time and the changing nature of the NFL has made what were once your manageble flaws into glaring weaknesses.

Coach Joe Gibbs, I'm gonna give it to you straight. You have always been too conservative in your play calling when the game is tight at the end. We used to joke that your "rear end" (not the word we used) was getting tight, when you would run the ball with a 2 point lead late in the game and then count on the defense to "hold 'em." You were playing not to lose. Back then it worked most of the time-barely. But we're not joking about it anymore--there's nothing funny about losing.

Any number of things went wrong for the team today, but the critical play came when the 'Skins had the ball and a 2 point lead late in the 4th quarter. It was 3rd and goal at the Eagles 7. Jason Campbell was throwing like a madman today--hittin' everyone.

What do you do? Run a draw play that gets stopped 3 yards shy. You took the field goal instead of the touchdown that would have forced the Eagles to need 2 scores to win. Played it safe. But you didn't play to win, and showed no faith in your young QB who was having a helluva day. And by the way, I know Campbell was having that day because you took the brakes off the offense...which makes it even sadder that you pulled back at that crucial minute.

Coach, I will always luv ya, but I just don't understand why you wouldn't rather go down swinging. Go for the friggin' touchdown and dare 'em to second guess you!

I know that's easy for me to say. I don't have the responsibility you do, nor do I have even a fraction of your football knowledge.

But just 'cause its easy for me to say doesn't make it any less true.

You know what the worst thing is, though? Next week is Dallas. And I know if somehow, some way the 'Skins figure out a way to beat those damn Cowboys....I'm just dumb enough to get all excited and worked up about this team all over again.