Our team's Character?

[Bizwah]

I know many of us were impressed with the "mental toughness" our team showed yesterday. We had many opportunities to mail it in, yet he held tough.

I also know that many of us were using San Diego as a "measuring stick". We were going to see exactly how far our team had to go by seeing how we played the Chargers on the Road.

So far, the results were impressive. But I think the true test of our team's Character and toughness will come in the next two weeks.

Sure, we beat a good team on the road....while coming from behind. But next week is the perfect week for a "letdown". The Skins looked bad against the Bears....they have questions at QB.....we'll have a "homecoming" type feel for this game by inducting the "Triplets" into the ROH.

Good teams beat other good teams, but they also beat the teams they're supposed to beat.....handlily. Will we show up? Will we be looking at the next two weeks as "easy" games?

I think part of Parcells' reactions after the game were to let the players know that they could not rest on a good game.

I remember 2003. We had a tough game vs Philly coming up in one week, but we had an "easy" game vs the Lions. We were primed for a "letdown". But we turned in one of our most impressive games that year.....then beat Philly the next week. I thought right then, that we would be a playoff team.

I remember 2004....We had a great game vs the Seahawks. Our team was still in the playoff hunt, and we had a date with the Saints. The Saints had a terrible run defense, and it appeared that they had thrown in the towel on the season. Yet, we turned in one of our worst performances of the year. It was clear at that point, that we weren't going to do anything the rest of the year.

Also, in 2004, after a thrilling come-from-behind win vs the Skins, we had an "easy" game vs a poor Giant team with a rookie QB that had yet to win a game......We were a baaaad team last year.

So what happens this year? I feel the next two weeks will show our true character. Will we come out and give two stinkers? or will we become the team we're capable of being?

 

[Dallas]

I think Dallas will be playing huge in its own house for the 1st time this year. The place is going to be rocking while the Skins are visiting. Im thinking things could get out of control for Washington early if they are not careful.

Our D will want to punch someone in the mouth from the start.

Book it. I said that right eh WG? Book it? I think I did.

 

[Bizwah]

I think Dallas will be playing huge in its own house for the 1st time this year. The place is going to be rocking while the Skins are visiting. Im thinking things could get out of control for Washington early if they are not careful.

Our D will want to punch someone in the mouth from the start.

Book it. I said that right eh WG? Book it? I think I did.

I think you're right. I think we'll play very hard. I think we'll be emotional. But I've been in games where I've played hard and emotional, but not played well.

I think it's harder to stay focused against "weak" teams that you should beat. Especially, when all sorts of distractions are going on.

I think we'll see what our team is made of the next two weeks. I want to see smart, intense play by our players.

Both the Commanders and Niners are just strong enough on defense to be dangerous. We must stay focused.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Im thinking things could get out of control for Washington early if they are not careful.

If we come out and hang 10-14 on them quick, the ball could just keep rolling all game long. Man that would be sweet!!!

 

[Cbz40]

Sorry guys but....The Skins will be looking for blood. Revenge for last years last second loss and they would give their eyeteeth to mess up the triplets induction into the ROH.

We had better be ready to play.

 

[Cbz40]

Sorry Bizwah.....great post.

 

[Ashwynn]

ROH game, Skins. We win this one going away. Too much emotion and no way we let the triplets down by losing to the skins in our house. Besides, their kickers hurt, they have no QB. No contest. No chance of a let down in this game. Maybe the SF game, but not this one.

 

[TheDuke]

imo....i think our mental toughness will be determined by how quick we fix all the "mental errors" that parcells keeps referring too...

 

[MapleLeaf]

Sorry guys but....The Skins will be looking for blood. Revenge for last years last second loss and they would give their eyeteeth to mess up the triplets induction into the ROH.

We had better be ready to play.

...I agree that the team better get ready to play. We have in general a "younger team" with a "new and inexperienced" team character. They will have to learn how to play together and develop the fortitude to win games when their don't have their "A" game on the field.

That will be the real test of their strength and character. Many of the starting and playing rookies are still trying to find their personalities and their confidence in the locker room, the sidelines, the huddle and on the line of scrimmage across from the opponents.

If we win games this early in the season it will be because of superior talent, coaching and game day tactics. The team will power and character will begin to show in the second half of the season when all the new personalities begin to "gel" and find their comfort zones.

Until then, we need to rely on the Riveras, Fergusons, Glovers, Williams and the Glenns. BP needs these types of players to help even out the rough waters during the early part of this season.

Our best hope is to catch "lightning" in a bottle for the first seven to eight games and then maybe our team can generate some of it's own energy.

My biggest worry is that the QB position may be set on a "house of cards". But that not really my worry. I suspect that both Payton and Parcells keep themselves up at night wondering if their really is stability at the position under center. If we get that I believe we will contend for the playoffs.

I still believe that if we have a superior place kicker he is worth two games to us this season. This is the new millenium NFL and too many times games have come down to the ability to get in position and convert game winning kicks.

 

[Dale]

Sorry guys but....The Skins will be looking for blood. Revenge for last years last second loss and they would give their eyeteeth to mess up the triplets induction into the ROH.

We had better be ready to play.

Maybe I'm naive, but I think this game is more about us than it is about them. For years now, the Commanders were supposed to be "pumped" about breaking the streak. But where are the results? I'm just not buying it anymore. If the Cowboys go out and take care of their business, they'll win the game. If they don't, they'll be embarrassed.

I haven't really seen the Skins "look for blood" in nearly a decade. And based on what I saw Sunday, it doesn't seem like this season is much different.

 

[lspain1]

Speaking of superior kickers, I think the skins have lost theirs.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/12/AR2005091201968.html

Kicking Game Is in Question
Hall's Injury Forces Coaches to Scramble Before Facing Cowboys

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2005; Page E04

Place kicker John Hall will most likely miss Monday night's game in Dallas, Washington Commanders Coach Joe Gibbs said, leading the team to begin contacting free agents for tryouts this week. Hall nailed all three field goal attempts in Sunday's 9-7 win over Chicago, but strained his quadriceps, an injury that cut his 2004 season in half.

Gibbs said Hall's injury is not as severe as what he suffered last season but expressed serious reservations about him being able to play in Texas. Washington has its bye in Week 3, however, which could work in Hall's favor, although Bubba Tyer, the team's director of sports medicine, said no timetable for a return has been established.

 

[dguinta1]

Remember folks it' only week1 plenty of football to be played and not too often going to come out of a game with no injuries. wo0t! Go COWBOYS!!

 

[Cbz40]

Maybe I'm naive, but I think this game is more about us than it is about them. For years now, the Commanders were supposed to be "pumped" about breaking the streak. But where are the results? I'm just not buying it anymore. If the Cowboys go out and take care of their business, they'll win the game. If they don't, they'll be embarrassed.

I haven't really seen the Skins "look for blood" in nearly a decade. And based on what I saw Sunday, it doesn't seem like this season is much different.

Dale I have never known you to be naive about anything.

Our OL will have the opportunity to prove they can handle the blitz. They better, because it's a coming.

For the 1st time in a while I feel we have WR's too finally burn someone on the blitz. I want to see if the OL can give Drew enough time to take a three step drop and hit a WR on a slant. I think we will.