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| FED EX FIELD |
It has been thirteen years since the last time my Washington Redskins were division champions. I grew up in a great era where the Joe Gibbs led teams were competitive fighting for championships regularly and now with RG3 it is hard to temper expectations because I know how small a window your team has to be crowned super bowl champions even with a all pro quarterback. When Lawrence Taylor sacked Joe Theisman on Monday Night Football I was devastated as a young kid because our quarterback was hurt and I knew at an early age how important having the right guy lead your team would be. Robert Griffin III is that special player and when he goes flying through the air or hobbles on the field with a knee injury you realize it only takes one play to end it. The Redskins have to find a way to keep him healthy. Luckily Kirk Cousins helped save the day after griffin went down a few weeks. Cousins could easily start in Kansas City, Arizona, Jacksonville and the New York (Jets) and it will be interesting to see if Washington listens to teams this off season.
The Seahawks bring a formidable team to Washington this afternoon, but the Redskins have to win this game. The crowd is going to be amazing making it difficult on rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. You will see if this is an early factor if Seattle burns a timeout to avoid a delay of game. Marshawn Lynch is a powerful runner, but London Fletcher will be amped up to meet this challenge. Fletcher understands his opportunity window is closing and a running game is not going to defeat this defense in the playoffs.
My player to watch outside of Alfred Morris is Pierre Garcon. The former Colt receiver has been busy over the last four weeks and as his foot heals he is a more dangerous weapon for RG3 in the passing game. While the Seahawks will load the box to stop the run Garcon will have opportunities to make big plays in the passing game. Another aspect to look at is can Santana Moss get behind the secondary as an afterthought for the Seahawks defense. Although Moss has been targeted less his ability to get in the end zone is still a factor.
Russell Wilson has had a terrific season in Seattle, but the Redskins blitz packages are going to rattle the rookie too much today. Tweet if am wrong and i will eat the crow I deserve, but today is there for the redskins to take even if blind optimism was in my way.
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