Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I'm thinking it is for several reasons:

1) The playoff picture. Both Detroit and Philly should lose this weekend so a win in Tampa puts us right there in the wildcard picture. Also, we need to get on a winning steak now to build momentum for big games against NY and Dallas (again).

2) Jason Campbell. The guy became "the man" last Sunday against Dallas. He is the most solid QB in Washington since Mark R. of 15 years ago, and he's finally being allowed to run his offense. Sunday saw him make one mistake that eliminated the possibility of a comeback, and reports have JC sobbing afterward at his locker. I don't think this is any reason to belittle him, it actually shows his passion for professional football and his commitment to arguably the greatest franchise in football. Could JC's emotion spark the guys, offense and defense, to approach the rest of the season w/ playoff intensity?

3) It's Tampa, possibly our biggest rival outside the East. Could playing a huge game in Tampa spark a playoff run?

IMO this game serves as an indicator for the rest of the season, and I will not be surprised in the least if we blow the game wide open.

Hail!

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I would call it a breathing room game. If we win we put ourselves in a pretty good position against the other wildcard contenders. If not, we have to watch our back every week from now until the end of the season and hope we make the playoffs.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I think it's probably our biggest game of the season so far, simply because we're 5-5. If we lose we drop below .500, which psychologically sucks, and of course prevents us from gaining any ground. Plus it gives Tampa a leg up on a tiebreaker with us.

Gotta have it, IMO.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=MTRedskinsFan;381014]I'm thinking it is for several reasons:

1) The playoff picture. Both Detroit and Philly should lose

Hail![/QUOTE]

I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit beats the Packers, Thanksgiving in Detroit? I've some horrendous Lion teams play spectacular games on Thanksgiving and look like a SB team.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Every game from here on out is just the next playoff game. Every game is a MUST win, we probually don't have but one more lose to give up down the stretch.

In my opinion we NEED to finish with 10 wins to have a shot to make post season.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

They're all important from here on out. This game perhaps being more "winnable" than the Giants game in NJ or the Cowboys finale, makes it critical. Philly will lose this week. Detroit likely will lose as well. A win would place the Skins in the 2nd wild card position and allow them to control their own destiny moving forward.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=SFREDSKIN;381018]I would call it a breathing room game. If we win we put ourselves in a pretty good position against the other wildcard contenders. If not, we have to watch our back every week from now until the end of the season and hope we make the playoffs.[/QUOTE]

Breathing room game. I like that. Well put

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

It isnt the most important of the season, I think the game against Philly was big, the first one on monday night, where 94% of the country picked the Eagles, and we won, big. I think this is probably second, because the game @ Philly showed the team, the fans, and the management, that they could be contenders.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I don't know if you remember but back in 2005, Clinton Portis came into the Buc's game after struggling the week before and absolutly destroyed the Buc's top rated defense (we lost anyway in part to several BS calls)..I don't want to guarentee this parallel, but I do think it's possible he could break a big one or two.. hes done that in the past..

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=CPAlltheWay012;381040]I don't know if you remember but back in 2005, Clinton Portis came into the Buc's game after struggling the week before and absolutly destroyed the Buc's top rated defense (we lost anyway in part to several BS calls)..I don't want to guarentee this parallel, but I do think it's possible he could break a big one or two.. hes done that in the past..[/quote]
Sounds Good, but let's win this one!

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

If we drop our third in a row it will certainly be a tough blow to the team psychologically as well as logistically, 2005 parallels notwithstanding.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Its gonna be a huge game! Maybe a must win for us, so i think we will take it 24- 14! plus i honestly think we are the better team.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I feel like we say this every week, lol...but now that were back at .500, yes it is.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=CPAlltheWay012;381040]I don't know if you remember but back in 2005, Clinton Portis came into the Buc's game after struggling the week before and absolutly destroyed the Buc's top rated defense (we lost anyway in part to several BS calls)..I don't want to guarentee this parallel, but I do think it's possible he could break a big one or two.. hes done that in the past..[/QUOTE]

I do remember. The Bucs rush defense is not as stellar as their pass defence so this Sunday should present CP w/ a big opportunity. I want to see him break 200 once damn it.

And like skinsfaninok I too simply think we're a more talented team. We've been missing the intensity and some help from the sidelines, but w/ the ball in JC's hands (from now on hopefully) and a spark among the guys we should dominate Tampa IMO.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I haven't seen Tampa this year but I have a good idea of what Garcia can do. The defense needs to play better or will be in here singing the Woulda Coulda Shoulda Blues once again.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

If I'm not mistaken we're 5-5 and are bottom feeding with Philly. We stink, real bad...we're so funky not even Dr. Scholls' can help us. This team isn't going to the playoffs and I am willing put my money where my mouth is. Time to face the music folks, we'll finish 8-8 at best.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

We have played every team minus NE pretty tight. While I agree that it hasn't been nor will it be pretty, but our playoff chances are still pretty good considering the bad play by the rest of the NFC. It is quite possible that 3 teams from the East make it to the post season again this year.

With that being said, I am not going to rush out and buy the Sports Illustrated DVD of the 2007 Washington Redskins at the end of the season either.

Well, I would if they pulled off a Rocky Bolboa and ended up winning the Superbowl. On the other hand, making the playoffs this season is our Superbowl.

Yeah, we stink.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=CPAlltheWay012;381040]I don't know if you remember but back in 2005, Clinton Portis came into the Buc's game after struggling the week before and absolutly destroyed the Buc's top rated defense (we lost anyway in part to several BS calls)..I don't want to guarentee this parallel, but I do think it's possible he could break a big one or two.. hes done that in the past..[/quote]

Well in his first game as a Redskin and it was against the Bucs first game of the 2004 season and first game in the second tenure of Coach Gibbs and on his very first carry 64yds to the house.................. lets hope this happens again

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=saden1;381074]If I'm not mistaken we're 5-5 and are bottom feeding with Philly. We stink, real bad...we're so funky not even Dr. Scholls' can help us. This team isn't going to the playoffs and I am willing put my money where my mouth is. Time to face the music folks, we'll finish 8-8 at best.[/quote]

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. 9-7 could easily get us in considering we have the tie breaker over the Lions & Cards. Nobody is exactly jumping up and taking hold of that last wildcard spot just yet. It's still wide open and even at 5-5 the Skins are in a good spot to claim that last playoff berth.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

After Dallas's game with us, I wonder if they're looking forward to the seaon ender with us. We played them tight, despite key injuries.

Considering how bad we are (/sarcasm), I'd think they would want us every other week. I'd reckon if you asked any of our Cowboy fan members, they'd prefer a third game with the Giants to another with us.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

I think our previous malfunctions have made this a must win. Realistically, I can't see making the playoffs if we lose this game. I don't think we have a chance to win 5 straight which we would have to do if we lose.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

This game is critical.
1) We must not lose 3 in a row. We need momentum for the stretch run if we are going to finish 4 - 2 to have a chance at the playoffs.

2) If Tampa wins their division, (based on how NO & CAR are playing that should happen). The tiebreaker against them isn't an issue, but if NO or CAR gets hot we will need the tiebreaker against TB.

3) Philly at 5-5 appears to be the biggest threat for the last wildcard. Their remaining schedule is no cakewalk though; @ NE & Dallas, Seattle, NYG, NO, Buffalo. 3 - 3 for them is realistic, but 4 - 2 is not impossible. Obviously it is critical to stay ahead of them and finish at least 9-7.

4) To finish 4 - 2 we need this game, we still have to play @ NYG and Dallas again. Minn, Chicago and Buffalo are all very winnable, but as we all know anything can happen.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

After the Cowboy game, we came away with a lot of good stuff (even thought it was an L). I think we shift into the next higher gear, and put it on Tampa.
AND.........we gotta' have it

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Yes, I'd say this game is critical. Critical in the sense that if we lose this one, I'd say our season is effectively over.

I personally thought the Philly game was the real critical one. I thought if we could win there, build momentum going into Dallas and get a win there, all this wild card talk would be pointless since we'd be fighting for the division title.

It's now a fight to stay in it as opposed to a fight for supremacy.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan_nn;381022]Every game from here on out is just the next playoff game. Every game is a MUST win, we probually don't have but one more lose to give up down the stretch.

In my opinion we NEED to finish with 10 wins to have a shot to make post season.[/QUOTE]

I think you're right there, skinsfan. This feels a lot like 2005..."six in a row or we don't go."

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=BleedBurgundy;381113]I think our previous malfunctions have made this a must win. Realistically, I can't see making the playoffs if we lose this game. I don't think we have a chance to win 5 straight which we would have to do if we lose.[/QUOTE]

I agree, its unfortunate that the team has squandered leads and opportunities and are now in a very precarious position. IMO, if they lose this game the playoffs are pretty much out of the question because I see no way this team can run the table the rest of the way.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Yes this is a must win game. Really though any NFC opponents from here on out are pretty much must win. Tampa is just as much in the hunt for the wildcard spot as we are and this is a great chance to get up there with them and hold the tiebreaker on them too, because the way it's looking that tiebreaker more than likely will come in handy.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

This week's focus is on stopping Garcia, Graham and Galloway, while finding holes in their front 7 with our RBs. There is only one team who has given up less points this year thus far, and that's Pittsburgh.

To add to skinsfan_nn sentiments (minus the spelling of course ;)), this game is the most important because it's the next game. With 6 games to go, and the playoffs on the line, each game becomes the most important of the season. While we do have some breathing room, it's very little, and if the Skins revert to their 2nd half woes, 3 weeks from now, we could be complaining about our 5th straight loss and what the season once was...

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=Mattyk72;381106]I wouldn't be so quick to say that. 9-7 could easily get us in considering we have the tie breaker over the Lions & Cards. Nobody is exactly jumping up and taking hold of that last wildcard spot just yet. It's still wide open and even at 5-5 the Skins are in a good spot to claim that last playoff berth.[/quote]

It honestly doesn't matter how the other teams in the NFC do, this team still needs to win games and to be honest I don't see them beating the teams that are beatable.


@Buccaneers - L
Bills - W?
Bears - W?
@Giants - L
@Vikings - W?
Cowboys - L (our chance may come down to whether the cowboys choose to rest their players).

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=MTRedskinsFan;381014]I'm thinking it is for several reasons:

1) The playoff picture. Both Detroit and Philly should lose this weekend so a win in Tampa puts us right there in the wildcard picture. Also, we need to get on a winning steak now to build momentum for big games against NY and Dallas (again).[/quote]

Washington cannot control the outcome of any games other then their own. So the best would be to hope for a Detroit loss. But I would say that the Tampa game is a must win for the Redskins no matter the outcome of other games. Because 3 consecutive losses puts the Redskins firmly in a "losing streak" and all the haters will emerge again.

[quote=MTRedskinsFan;381014]2) Jason Campbell. The guy became "the man" last Sunday against Dallas. He is the most solid QB in Washington since Mark R. of 15 years ago, and he's finally being allowed to run his offense. Sunday saw him make one mistake that eliminated the possibility of a comeback, and reports have JC sobbing afterward at his locker. I don't think this is any reason to belittle him, it actually shows his passion for professional football and his commitment to arguably the greatest franchise in football. Could JC's emotion spark the guys, offense and defense, to approach the rest of the season w/ playoff intensity?[/quote]

Yes Campbell had some good things to take from his performance against Dallas. Not to discredit his efforts, but it is what it is. And that is YES he did pass for in excess of 300 yards. But the reality of that is he did it with 54 attempts. That is a lot of attempts. Any NFL starting QB that throws the ball that many times (54) and does NOT exceed 300 yards has a problem. Campbells completion percentage in that game was 61% and his season average is 60%. The only difference is he threw more than he ever has. ANd he did turn the ball over twice.

[quote=MTRedskinsFan;381014]3) It's Tampa, possibly our biggest rival outside the East. Could playing a huge game in Tampa spark a playoff run?

IMO this game serves as an indicator for the rest of the season, and I will not be surprised in the least if we blow the game wide open.

Hail![/quote]

Very winnable game for the Redskins. Tampa is very good against the pass, but very mediocre against the run. This is a Gibbs type game, on the road where he can run successfully and eat up the clock. IF Portis does not exceed 150 yards, I will be surprised. Do not expect Campbell to repeat the number of passing attempts he did in Dallas because of this. And yes the win is a must for Washington, you do not want a 3 game losing streak after the middle of the season. Washington has always played extremely well in December in the past and they have to keep that trend up if they are to have any hope of a WC.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=MTRedskinsFan;381014]I'm thinking it is for several reasons:

1) The playoff picture. Both Detroit and Philly should lose this weekend so a win in Tampa puts us right there in the wildcard picture. Also, we need to get on a winning steak now to build momentum for big games against NY and Dallas (again).

2) Jason Campbell. The guy became "the man" last Sunday against Dallas. He is the most solid QB in Washington since Mark R. of 15 years ago, and he's finally being allowed to run his offense. Sunday saw him make one mistake that eliminated the possibility of a comeback, and reports have JC sobbing afterward at his locker. I don't think this is any reason to belittle him, it actually shows his passion for professional football and his commitment to arguably the greatest franchise in football. Could JC's emotion spark the guys, offense and defense, to approach the rest of the season w/ playoff intensity?

3) It's Tampa, possibly our biggest rival outside the East. Could playing a huge game in Tampa spark a playoff run?

IMO this game serves as an indicator for the rest of the season, and I will not be surprised in the least if we blow the game wide open.

Hail![/quote]Put it this way:

If we win it, then we just won a must win game.

If we lose it, than it wasn't a must win game, and instead sets up a must win at home the following week.

We are playing very, very, very good offensive football right now, and that will continue. The defense is talented enough to rebound from back to back awful performances, although our offense is probably a bit better than our D.

2 weeks ago we were an average football team. Clearly now, we are better than that. Assuming an average schedule (which we have), 4-2 seems fair based on the level of talent we have.

Now, Tampa is one of the two most difficult teams left on our schedule, but we have been playing great football lately and the Tampa Bay offense, as good as it is, can be held out of the endzone for game long periods. That's the key here.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Additionally, a win here means as the 6th seed, we get our like;y first round matchup against a significantly worse Seattle team, who would hold the head to head tiebreaker over Tampa. This could set up a game we could win in the first round and a trip to hopefully Lambeau first before having to take on Dallas in Texas Stadium in the NFC Championship game.

Yes, I'm getting ahead of myself, but this is all very real at this point.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

theres no reason why the skins cant win 5 or 6 out of the last 6 games. honestly, the bucs, bears, vikings and bills dont scare me as they play our style of football for the most part. giants and cowchips are games we gotta find a way to win.

its hard to tell if some of you guys are even skins fans . . .

go skins!

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[quote=over the mountain;381196]theres no reason why the skins cant win 5 or 6 out of the last 6 games. honestly, the bucs, bears, vikings and bills dont scare me as they play our style of football for the most part. giants and cowchips are games we gotta find a way to win.

[B] its hard to tell if some of you guys are even skins fans . . . [/B]

go skins![/quote]


It's called reality, look into it.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

i looked "reality" up in the phone book, called her and she said "your fanhood needs questioning".

go skins!

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

We probably don't need to get into this again.

The reality is most of us who claim to be Redskins fans probably really are. The reality is we are 5-5. The reality is if the playoffs started right now we wouldn't be in it. The reality is the season isn't over yet. The reality is we're very much in the hunt. The reality is we've been in this position before and have made the playoffs. The reality is we've been in this position before and haven't made the playoffs.

The reality is if you are a fan yet don't believe the Redskins stand a chance that's your prerogative and your fanhood need not be questioned. The reality is if you are a fan and believe the Redskins will put together a strong run and make the playoffs that's your prerogative and, realizing the way this team has played, your sense of reality need not be questioned.

The reality is that while we all share a passion for our favorite teams, sports are a form of entertainment for most of us. And sometimes its ok to remember that, and remind ourselves that we turn to sports and entertainment because they allow us to suspend reality.

Just keepin' it real.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

It feels like half our team is from Florida.... The "U"........, so the Skins should and usually do play well in Tampa. Back in 2005 during the regular season we got screwed, but we won the rematch, which was all that counted. The Skins will play a better QB in Garcia than they did in Simms, so it will be tough, but the Cowboys are better than the Bucs and we were a couple of missed passes from winning that game. I would hate to have 6 loses before December, COME ON SKINS!!!

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

Smoot "The Philosopher" Smack at his best ladies and gentlemen. Give him a round of applause.

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=saden1;381074]If I'm not mistaken we're 5-5 and are bottom feeding with Philly. We stink, real bad...we're so funky not even Dr. Scholls' can help us. This team isn't going to the playoffs and I am willing put my money where my mouth is. Time to face the music folks, we'll finish 8-8 at best.[/QUOTE]

I'll take that bet... I bet we finish 9-7 or better.

100 beans sound good?

Re: Is Tampa The Most Important Game of the Season So Far?
 

[QUOTE=scowan;381220]It feels like half our team is from Florida.... The "U"........, so the Skins should and usually do play well in Tampa. Back in 2005 during the regular season we got screwed, but we won the rematch, which was all that counted. The Skins will play a better QB in Garcia than they did in Simms, so it will be tough, but the Cowboys are better than the Bucs and we were a couple of missed passes from winning that game. I would hate to have 6 loses before December, COME ON SKINS!!![/QUOTE]

Bottom line is if Sean Taylor does not go down two weeks ago we win vs Philly and at Dallas. Simple as that. I know all teams have injuries but we've been hit hard this season. The fact that we're still in this thing is a testament to the character of this team. Anyone who calls this season over at this point needs to check themselves.