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

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by MTRedskinsFan

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!

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.

[GTripp0012]

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.

[over the mountain]

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!

[saden1]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

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!

It's called reality, look into it.

[over the mountain]

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

go skins!

[SmootSmack]

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.

[scowan]

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!!!

[saden1]

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

[DGreene28]

Originally Posted by saden1

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.

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

100 beans sound good?

[DGreene28]

Originally Posted by scowan

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!!!

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.

[Cowell]

I don't think Sean Taylor is going to have as much of an impact on this game, but I've said this before, do not underestimate Joey Galloway. The guy can be a huge deep threat.

[Campbell17]

They haven't played too challenging of a schedule, and are in first place at 6-4 in a division with Carolina 4-6, New Orleans 4-6, and Atlanta 3-7.
Their games were
L @ Seattle
W New Orleans
W St. Louis
W @ Carolina
L @ Indy
W Tennessee
L @ Detriot
L Jacksonville
W Arizona
W @ Atlanta

Not very promising wins.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by DGreene28

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

100 beans sound good?

In my post I clearly state "This team isn't going to the playoffs and I am willing put my money where my mouth is" not on the overall record.

If you're willing to bet on that then we have a deal.

[DynamiteRave]

Well in response to if it's important, you gotta think about if we happen to lose the game... What do our playoff hopes look like?

If it looks bleak - Yes it is important
Still a glimmer of hope - Then it's important, but it won't make or break our season.

[CHIEF CHUCKING MY SPEAR]

yes it is we lose here were about done