I Dislike Your Favorite Team

This season, the Redskins have lost three games after being ahead at halftime. In the previous Gibbs era, they were respected as a second-half team. That is no longer the case, QED.

Since returning to the NFL, his record when leading at halftime is 17-13. In other words, with a lead at halftime the Redskins lose 43% of the time. I have to say, that isn't any good.

Owing to a missed PAT on their first TD, the Redskins chose to go for two when they scored their next TD. This is in contradiction to the old maxim "kick early, go for two late" left over from high school and college ball. Since there is no way to know what the score will be in the 4th quarter, it is conventionally wise to take the sure point early in the game. Otherwise one might dig oneself a deep, lasting hole. For example, in the 4th quarter, the Redskins were down 26-25. Oops.

The Redskins continue to be timid on offense. No one respects our deep threats and we can be counted on to kick on 4th and inches, even though teams convert 4th and inches over 75% of the time. The Eagles, by contrast, converted 4th and inches from their own 39 yard line. This showed that the Eagles wanted to win the game. At every opportunity, the Redskins stand pat.

Clock management is as bad as the worst Herm Edwards action. What happened? Blown timeouts, indecisive playcalling and frantic execution.

The defense is unable to force another offense off the field. Their penalties cost them a lot of sweat and ultimately the game. Racked by injuries, the pass defense may be severely tested by the Cowboys on Sunday.

The worst of it is that the Eagles are a crap team going nowhere. I can't accept the same for my Noble Redskins. They must start showing an improvement in every single aspect.

On the lighter side
In the third quarter of the Buffaloaf Bills vs. the Miasma Dolphins, the score was 2-3. I think we know where the "fudge is made."

IDYFT Cup
1. Green Bay Packers: +3
2. Detroit Lions: +1
3. Washington Redskins: 0
4. Oakland Raiders: -1
5. Minnesota Vikings: -3

Next week: The Vikings (with A. Peterson out for weeks) host the Raiders (with the old lady in the tracksuit intact). It should be one big sticky, peanut-studded Fudgefest.