The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

The third quarter of the season has not been kind to the Skins recently. Looking at the two years under Spurrier and the 4 years under Gibbs, the Skins started the season's second half as follows:

2002: 1-3 (losing first 2)
2003: 1-3
2004: 1-3 (losing first 3)
2005: 1-3 (losing first 3)
2006: 1-3 (losing first 2)
2007: [B]0-4[/B]

I'm at a loss for how the team would open the 2nd half so poorly, [I]especially when they had good teams in 2005 and 2007 that started 5-3, and eventually made the playoffs[/I]. Needless to say, this trend must stop NOW if this year's team aspires to hosting playoff games and making a deep run. I'm curious if any of you have theories on the cause of this negative trend, and how this year might be different with Zorn at the helm.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Good post--I had a feeling there was a problem here, but I didn't know the numbers were so bad!

One issue is injuries. Another is fatigue. But all teams face this sort of pressure every year, so that's certainly no excuse. Let's hope Zorn can fire them up. I do think the bye falls at a great time this year, as opposed to some of the last couple of years. Even if we lose to Pitt, we can recharge and get it straight in the bye week.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Wow! I always knew we had rough third quarters but I had no idea that it was this bad.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

I think this team can do well in the second half of the season. As long as we can keep players healthy - and get the unhealthy players back up to speed, we should be fine.

Another thing we need to work on is capitalizing on our offence in the redzone. We can not settle for field goals. We have been able to drive down the field without a problem (for the most part) thus far. However; once we get in the redzone, it seems that our offence struggles on executing redzone plays.

If we can make these things happen I think we will be just fine.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Like most people said its injuries. Those can really take a toll on a team looking for a playoff run. But so far we havent been doing to bad on injuries, and i believe that Zorn and co. can keep us foucsed and relatively healthy than we have been in recent years

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

This may be why we're not trying to rush injured players. Better for them to be completely healthy for the second half of the season.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

After looking at those stats, it's easy to see why people are just sitting back waiting for the Redskins to fall flat on their face. Then they can point the finger and laugh and say "I told you so". However, nothing is forever and times do change. And I must say that there is just a different feel about this team. We might not end up 6-2 for the 2cd half of the season but I doubt we'll be 2-6 either. Speaking of stats and streaks, wonder how the election will go after the Pitt. game?

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Man! That's bad. A better third quarter will definitely show improvement and whether or not this team is poised to make a run through the playoffs or just barely make it.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Interesting trend, but ultimately it's just statistical noise. The Redskins have played worse in November, historically, but they also never had a team quite as good as this one.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

[quote=GTripp0012;495804]Interesting trend, but ultimately it's just statistical noise. The Redskins have played worse in November, historically, but they also never had a team quite as good as this one.[/quote]

I know I can't be the only one who finds it ironic that Tripp would refer to some stats as "just statistical noise"

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

[quote=SmootSmack;495808]I know I can't be the only one who finds it ironic that Tripp would refer to some stats as "just statistical noise"[/quote]
I.......didn't want to....say anything

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

[quote=JWsleep;495767]Good post--I had a feeling there was a problem here, but I didn't know the numbers were so bad!

One issue is injuries. Another is fatigue. But all teams face this sort of pressure every year, so that's certainly no excuse. Let's hope Zorn can fire them up. [B]I do think the bye falls at a great time this year, as opposed to some of the last couple of years.[/B] Even if we lose to Pitt, we can recharge and get it straight in the bye week.[/quote]Good point on the bye - I believe in many of those past seasons, the bye week was week 3 or 4. Hopefully you're right about the bye allowing our guys to prepare better for the stretch run.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

we have been complaining about injuries for years. this year, so far the skins have been relatively healthy. and i agree. the bye comes at a great time

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Bottom line- Monday night's game is a huge, huge game. Blache said it's his biggest game since he's been here. He has issued a challenge to the defense to carry the team. I believe defensively we're gonna be on fire. It's gonna be a slobbernocker. And low scoring I think.

We're dinged up for sure, but we've got enough veteran leadership to get the guys to suck it up for one more week. The Danny should send all of them to a week long spa treatment for the bye week. We need it.

Re: The Dreaded Third Quarter
 

Matt Terl on the Redskins Blog yesterday said the Skins had one of the most energetic practices they've had in weeks, since before the Philly game. Blache has been telling the players how important this game is. I expect us to come out fired up!