Beating Washington

[Stryker44]

Even if the Giants played and lost Saturday, I would keep the pettle down in a meaningless game against the Saints.

Yeah - I tend to agree. It seems like in recent years, the bye and resting starters in the playoffs hasn't mattered as much as riding the hot streak and keeping the attitude of winning prevalent each week.

I mean, look at the Giants run last year and the Packers the year before.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Yeah - I tend to agree. It seems like in recent years, the bye and resting starters in the playoffs hasn't mattered as much as riding the hot streak and keeping the attitude of winning prevalent each week.

I mean, look at the Giants run last year and the Packers the year before.

I would love to end the year 7-1 and ride that into the playoffs

 

[Hostile]

Colts stadium?

Lucas Oil / Old dome (forget name)

I am terribly sorry, I just now this.

2-1 at Memorial Stadium.

1-2 at the RCA Dome.

1-0 at Lucas Oil Field.

 

[Hostile]

Commanders on Thanksgiving vs the Cowboys prior to this year

0-6

RG3 is a destroyer of streaks. Its happened all season long.

Just a quick look at the futile streaks snapped this season

Commanders Streaks Snapped:
1. First ever win against Cowboys on Thanksgiving (previously 0-6)
2. Commanders win first set of consecutive games since the first two games of the 2011 season
3. Commanders win first game against a rookie QB since 2006 (lost previous 8)
4. Commanders win consecutive divisional games for first time since (weeks 1 and 4 of) 2010
5. Commanders win first home game in a year vs. Vikings (8-game losing streak snapped)
6. Commanders scored their most points in team history on Thanksgiving Day (38; previous was 23)
7. Commanders win first game in new Texas Stadium
8. Commanders first MNF win at home since 1997
9. First time beating the Giants on MNF since 1985
10. Commanders first time beating all three divisional opponents at least once in the year since 2007
11. Commanders first time winning three consecutive games against divisional opponents since 2005
12. Commanders 186 yards in the first quarter is the most by any team so far this season
13. Six game losing streak to AFC teams is snapped (beat Baltimore)
14. Commanders first pair of fourth-quarter comeback wins since 1989
15. Commanders became first time since the 1970 merger to have two different rookie quaterbacks lead fourth-quarter comebacks in the same season

Hey, at one time you also snapped Dave Campo's 5 game winning streak against you.

 

[AsthmaField]

Commanders on Thanksgiving vs the Cowboys prior to this year

0-6

RG3 is a destroyer of streaks. Its happened all season long.

Just a quick look at the futile streaks snapped this season

Commanders Streaks Snapped:
1. First ever win against Cowboys on Thanksgiving (previously 0-6)
2. Commanders win first set of consecutive games since the first two games of the 2011 season
3. Commanders win first game against a rookie QB since 2006 (lost previous 8)
4. Commanders win consecutive divisional games for first time since (weeks 1 and 4 of) 2010
5. Commanders win first home game in a year vs. Vikings (8-game losing streak snapped)
6. Commanders scored their most points in team history on Thanksgiving Day (38; previous was 23)
7. Commanders win first game in new Texas Stadium
8. Commanders first MNF win at home since 1997
9. First time beating the Giants on MNF since 1985
10. Commanders first time beating all three divisional opponents at least once in the year since 2007
11. Commanders first time winning three consecutive games against divisional opponents since 2005
12. Commanders 186 yards in the first quarter is the most by any team so far this season
13. Six game losing streak to AFC teams is snapped (beat Baltimore)
14. Commanders first pair of fourth-quarter comeback wins since 1989
15. Commanders became first time since the 1970 merger to have two different rookie quaterbacks lead fourth-quarter comebacks in the same season

#15 is half cousins... and is testimony to the real reason all those records are being broken: Mike Shanahan and his offensive schemes. You guys didn't miss a beat with Griffin on the sideline and Cousins playing.

That offense and its running game is so effective that either of those QB's would be successful running it. Russell Wilson would be doing just as good in that system... maybe better. Shanahan has done a great job of limiting Griffins mistakes, putting him in good situations and playing to his strengths.

As for all those records... that happens anytime a bad team starts improving. They start winning. And you can thank one Mike Shanahan for that way, way more than Griffin, who was replaced by cousins and nobody even noticed.

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

#15 is half cousins... and is testimony to the real reason all those records are being broken: Mike Shanahan and his offensive schemes. You guys didn't miss a beat with Griffin on the sideline and Cousins playing.

That offense and its running game is so effective that either of those QB's would be successful running it. Russell Wilson would be doing just as good in that system... maybe better. Shanahan has done a great job of limiting Griffins mistakes, putting him in good situations and playing to his strengths.

As for all those records... that happens anytime a bad team starts improving. They start winning. And you can thank one Mike Shanahan for that way, way more than Griffin, who was replaced by cousins and nobody even noticed.

As expected. Cousins was a great pick in round 4 and will pay dividends down the line when he is traded. And yes, a team is being built for the long haul with Griffin its leader.

The shot in the arm to the franchise he has been is unreal. I said it on this board back when Shanny was hired we'd start to compete in 2012 once we had a QB in place.

Thank God Graham Gano missed those kicks vs you guys last year. Those 2 meaningless wins could have cost us Rg3

 

[AsthmaField]

Thank God Graham Gano missed those kicks vs you guys last year. Those 2 meaningless wins could have cost us Rg3

Doesn't matter. Griffin isn't why you are winning. Shanahan is. He would have simply gotten another QB and the offense would be rolling. Just like he would have found someone other than Morris if he wouldn't have gotten him.

It is Shanahan and his scheme that is taking the team above average. I understand why you feel like it's Griffin, but you even admit that you knew 2012 would be when the team responded before you ever knew about RG3. Shanahan's 3rd year is why you're winning... not Griffin's first.

And I'm glad he missed the kicks. As it is you had to mortgage your future for Griffin, when you could have had Russell Wilson in the 3rd. Now that would have been good for the Commanders. As it is, you have no draft picks for what, half a decade?

 

[CitySlicker202]

Doesn't matter. Griffin isn't why you are winning. Shanahan is. He would have simply gotten another QB and the offense would be rolling. Just like he would have found someone other than Morris if he wouldn't have gotten him.

It is Shanahan and his scheme that is taking the team above average. I understand why you feel like it's Griffin, but you even admit that you knew 2012 would be when the team responded before you ever knew about RG3. Shanahan's 3rd year is why you're winning... not Griffin's first.

Part of what you're saying is true. Shanahan's "new" Pistol Offense has definitely put RG3 in positions to succeed on the field while also adjusting it to a Bootleg Playaction setup for Cousins. However, a scheme is reduced to nothing if the personnel lack physical ability or sheer talent. In this case, Rex Grossman and John Beck last year lacked the talent to execute any scheme whereas Rg3 and Cousins are naturally gifted to execute a gameplan well enough to produce wins. Coaches put players in positions to win....players must then carry it out. So far Rg3 and Cousins seem capable leading an offense.

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

Doesn't matter. Griffin isn't why you are winning. Shanahan is. He would have simply gotten another QB and the offense would be rolling. Just like he would have found someone other than Morris if he wouldn't have gotten him.

It is Shanahan and his scheme that is taking the team above average. I understand why you feel like it's Griffin, but you even admit that you knew 2012 would be when the team responded before you ever knew about RG3. Shanahan's 3rd year is why you're winning... not Griffin's first.

And I'm glad he missed the kicks. As it is you had to mortgage your future for Griffin, when you could have had Russell Wilson in the 3rd. Now that would have been good for the Commanders. As it is, you have no draft picks for what, half a decade?

7 next year, 6 the year after. Cousins should also recoup picks. I saw Wilson play plenty in college, terrific kid, good talent but not in the same universe as RG3 is talent wise.

The great thing with Bob is he is the perfect compliment to the stretch zone scheme. Throwing in the pistol formation (which Kyle learned this past summer) is genius and added to an incredible skill set.

You are right, its not all RG3. The combination of RG3+the smarts of both Shanahans and Dan Snyder all but gone into hiding, has turned this team into a contender in year 3, and will keep it a contending team for the next decade plus.

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

Part of what you're saying is true. Shanahan's "new" Pistol Offense has definitely put RG3 in positions to succeed on the field while also adjusting it to a Bootleg Playaction setup for Cousins. However, a scheme is reduced to nothing if the personnel lack physical ability or sheer talent. In this case, Rex Grossman and John Beck last year lacked the talent to execute any scheme whereas Rg3 and Cousins are naturally gifted to execute a gameplan well enough to produce wins. Coaches put players in positions to win....players must then carry it out. So far Rg3 and Cousins seem capable leading an offense.

Exactly.

I have said I think RG3 would do fine in Jason Garret's outdated system, but not nearly as well as he is doing now.

Romo would be winning championships with Shanny. The ZBS west coast system is the perfect fit for Romo.

3 years of building has led to this, starting with Trent Williams (who has turned into a dominant LT) and adding pieces along the way.

If John Mara hadn't knee capped us on the eve of FA, we would be in even better shape. Hello Eric Winston at RT. Hello secondary help.

 

[AsthmaField]

Part of what you're saying is true. Shanahan's "new" Pistol Offense has definitely put RG3 in positions to succeed on the field while also adjusting it to a Bootleg Playaction setup for Cousins. However, a scheme is reduced to nothing if the personnel cannot operate it because of physical ability or sheer lack of talent. In this case, Rex Grossman and John Beck last year lacked the talent to execute any scheme whereas Rg3 and Cousins are naturally gifted enough to execute an offense to wins.

That's assuming that the only difference from last year is at QB. That certainly isn't the case. Heck, last year's team with another year of Shanahan under it's belt would have been better, even with those QB's.

This year's running game is miles better than last year's. The OL is playing way, way better. The WR's are way, way better. The blocking in the zone blocking scheme is finally running the way it should... and it wasn't last year.

It is the entire offense that is better, not simply the QB position. That's why cousins stepped in and didn't miss a beat. The scheme is very difficult to defend when it is running properly like it finally is for the first time under shanahan in DC.

Or is it your contention that Washington just happened to get an awesome rookie QB and then lo and behold happened to get another in round 4? It is much more reasonable to think that the system is running like a well oiled machine.

Cousins did as well as Griffin because the offense is running great and the coach puts the QB in position to make good decisions.

 

[AsthmaField]

I saw Wilson play plenty in college, terrific kid, good talent but not in the same universe as RG3 is talent wise.

Yes he is and he would be doing just as good as Griffin.

Don't keep falling for the hype.

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

Yes he is and he would be doing just as good as Griffin.

Nice try but not even close. No need to continue this discussion.

I am glad though you recognize Shanny's success. This forum doubted in early 2010 he'd be anything more then a Snyder big name bust. Clearly his plan is working and will continue to work now that a QB is in place and several young pieces are coming together. Having the youngest, and best QB in the division goes a long way towards that goal of year in year out competing for titles

 

[Wayne02]

Yes he is and he would be doing just as good as Griffin.

Don't keep falling for the hype.

Why are you downing RG3, the guy is playing great and the Skins are lucky to have him. It's okay to give props when it's justified.

 

[AsthmaField]

Nice try but not even close. No need to continue this discussion.

Scratch that. He IS doing as good as Griffin. I would like to see what he could do in an offense as effective as Shanahan's.

What does Griffin do better than Wilson?

 

[AsthmaField]

Why are you downing RG3, the guy is playing great and the Skins are lucky to have him. It's okay to give props when it's justified.

Downing him? I never said he sucks. Only that the main reason for the Commanders wins is because of Shanahan and his system. I think Griffin is a pretty good rookie QB. I think Russell Wilson is too, and that he would be lighting it up playing for Shanahan.

If you want to think Griffin is all world, that's fine. I just don't see it that way.

 

[Wayne02]

Downing him? I never said he sucks. Only that the main reason for the Commanders wins is because of Shanahan and his system. I think Griffin is a pretty good rookie QB. I think Russell Wilson is too, and that he would be lighting it up playing for Shanahan.

If you want to think Griffin is all world, that's fine. I just don't see it that way.

Nobody is saying he is all world, you're the one saying that he isn't all world. You seem to have a personal problem with the young man, which seems weird but whatever.

 

[AsthmaField]

Nobody is saying he is all world, you're the one saying that he isn't all world. You seem to have a personal problem with the young man, which seems weird but whatever.

If you're saying he isn't all world... and I'm saying he isn't all world... then we seem to be in agreement.

Have a nice day!

I have no personal problem with him beyond the problem I have with every Commander player... I simply think the main reason they are winning is because of shanahan and his terrific offensive system/mind. Why that is an issue with you, I don't know. Why you would take offense to me saying Russell Wilson would do just as well in Shanahan's offense, I don't know.

I never said he's bad... just not as good as he's being made out to be. Strange that it would bother you.

 

[Wayne02]

If you're saying he isn't all world... and I'm saying he isn't all world... then we seem to be in agreement.

Have a nice day!

My point is you're the only one coming in here yelling, RG3 isn't all world, Russell Wilson would do just as great in Washington, ect. ect. Why do you feel the need to yell from the mountain tops that RG3 isn't so great?

 

[AsthmaField]

My point is you're the only one coming in here yelling, RG3 isn't all world, Russell Wilson would do just as great in Washington, ect. ect. Why do you feel the need to yell from the mountain tops that RG3 isn't so great?

I'm not yelling man. Why is it bothering you that I don't think the Commanders Rookie is great?