Friday Night "Mights" - Washington Redskins vs Atlanta Falcons
The bye week really seemed to stretch out for months rather than just the two weeks since we last played an actual football game. After all that has been written, all that has been said, and all that has occurred around this team in the most recent days and weeks, I can tell you this: I am ready to watch my boys get on the field and play a football game. And I intend to reach back into my drawer and pull out my favorite shades--the rose-colored ones--to bring you this week's set of bold predictions for the Redskins-Falcons tilt.
I don't care about 2-5 anymore. I don't. I truly believe it doesn't matter. We are completely capable of knocking off this Falcons team and here is how we are going to do it:
1) Jason Campbell will throw for over 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and will bottle up the turnover bug that has plagued him in the early goings of the season. I am hopeful that the two weeks off will have given his ankle time to heal enough for him to be just mobile enough to escape the first guy that leaks through. My prediction for the yards hinges on yards after the catch. I think this offensive line will struggle again, but I am betting on quick throws, receivers running into space, and improved decision-making from JC in the dome on Sunday.
2) Fred Davis is going to blow up. Double digit catches, triple digit yardage and at least one score. I think what will impress us the most about Sleepy on Sunday will be his lack of fumbles and his huge first downs. When the line breaks down, Davis is going to get the ball. This might very well be a theme all game long. You look at a guy like Fred Davis and his talent is undeniable. Kevin and I watched him in training camp and the preseason and he was a monster. He is capable of dominating the stats. I am going to assume that Davis understands that this is his chance to really show the Redskins organization that he was a great investment last year. He has put in extra work the last two weeks and it is going to pay off.
3) DeAngelo Hall is going to return a punt for a touchdown. Part of our biggest gripe about this coaching staff was its unwavering support of Randle-El in the return game. The reality though (and I am only speculating guys) is that a lot of capable return men simply don't want the ball in that role. It is as dangerous as it gets in this league and these guys have millions on the line. Call that the right or wrong way to see it from their perspective but I think it is honest. From here, I make the jump to theorizing DeAngelo Hall WANTS the ball in the return game. Let me take you back to the Eagles game. There was a series that the Eagles were forced to punt. Right in front of where I was sitting, I could see Randle El standing on the sideline ready to run in to return the punt. DeAngelo Hall stayed on the field though and waved him off. From my seat, it did not look like this was a coach's decision. In fact, Randle-El made repeated gestures to Hall as if he were beckoning him to leave the field so that ARE could get underneath the punt. This game is Hall's chance to show Atlanta they made a mistake by letting him go. Maybe that makes him more juiced for this one game and we go back to something else next week. Who knows? What I do know is that when he gets the ball as a punt returner, the chance he takes it to the house and dances is great. This week, the Skins will gain some major momentum on special teams when he high steps down the sidelines for a huge punt return touchdown.
4) Devin Thomas will score 2 touchdowns. We are building towards something with this player. This receiver is going to be a key component to our offensive future. He is not our biggest receiver, but he might be the most physical receiver we have. Something is starting to click with him that is helping him understand that his role is absolutely integral on our team. When he gets the ball, he can break tackles, and make guys sorry when they square up to try and tackle him.
5) Marko Mitchell sees his first significant action and makes it pay off with a touchdown. I will be heart-broken if/when he is on the list of inactives this week. Given our current state of things, a player like him simply must be given a shot on the field. His involvement will give us a real warm and fuzzy feeling on Sunday.
Our defense will hold their own--as usual. I think in the last 10 days or so, the players have had a real chance to get some work in with each other while the rest of the world (including us here at Hogs haven) focused on bigger picture issues with this franchise.
Here is what I am most impressed about with regard to this team over the last two weeks: How many stories did you read about players sniping at each other in practice or through the media? How many stories did you read about players complaining about coach's decisions? How many stories did you read about players playing the blame game or spinning the excuse wheel?
I don't think there were any really. Certainly none that were made out to be huge headlines. All the headlines and news focused on Snyder and Cerrato, right? Maybe in the end, this was the best possible thing that could have happened to this team. Maybe a team that should have been put under the microscope a lot more due to its play in the first 7 games escaped that kind of attention thanks to the debacle in the front office! (Maybe I have gone crazy.)
Maybe on Sunday, 53 men come together and beat the hell out of a Falcons team that is completely unprepared for the reinvigorated Redskins.
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60 comments
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Comments
You're a dedicated man, Shug.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 10:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
You meant committed....
or at least about to be. Do you realize he just predicted the Redskins would score at least 5 touchdowns in this game? That’s more than we scored against any two teams this season.
by BillWard on Nov 6, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Capable - yes
Probable – no. Despite their loss to NO, they still looked very good. I think it’s a reach at this point. Let’s not put any more stress on these guys than needed. As long as Dans pockets are being stuffed, wins aren’t very important. Just give it your all guys. RA RA RA GO TEAM.
by skinsymets on Nov 6, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I did not want to write this in the article above, but I'll start a comment thread...
Any chance Fred Davis is so good in the next month or so that Cooley gets “Shockey’ed”?
As in, Cooley gets shipped off prior to the draft for a nice pick and Davis becomes the man?
I am not calling for this by the way, and God knows we can find a way to put both guys on the field next year if they both belong there. But it does raise an intriguing possibility. A new coach/GM might pull that trigger if it netted, say…a 2nd round offensive lineman?
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 10:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely not
Why would we make this ascertain after one good game? Thats ludicrous!! Cooley has been consistent for years. This doesn’t even make sense. At least make this guy put together a consistent streak of good games. Sheesh!!
by monk81 on Nov 6, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The question implies he puts that string together
It’s a jump…I’ll grant you
But these are the decisions front offices get presented with each year
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've been suggesting this might occur
for a long time. If Davis is pro-bowl caliber then it makes sense as Cooley is probably our best trade chip in terms of bang for the buck. Not that I want to see him go, plus it helps to have really good TEs and to have that position locked down for 5 years or so, with nothing to worry about.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Nov 6, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Zorn would love to come out in 2 TE sets.
And Cooley is the most popular guy in Washington.
by SSBlitz on Nov 6, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Different scenario, but Joe Montana
was the most popular guy in SF when he got cut/signed with the Chiefs.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Nov 6, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Davis would get traded, not Cooley
Cooley is by far the most popular player on the team, and Danny’s a business man above all else
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Freddy does't
provide the return in a trade that an All-Pro like Cooley would – if you consider he was a 3rd round pick and we got say a 1st and 2nd or 1st and 3rd rounder for him. Plus, Cooley has 5 years on him, so Davis (if he puts the streak together) gives you more years at the current position going forward at a high level of play, as Cooley’s production will likely decline over time.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Nov 6, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, Fred's not more valuable
but he’s more likely to be traded by The Danny, IMO
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sugar was really asleep at the wheel
when he started this comment thread. We debated this ad nauseum in another post. I think it would be cool to get a positive exchange for once, instead of always giving up draft picks to bring in other people’s players. However, we all love Cooley and I would much rather see 2 TE’s on the field than 3 or 4 WRs. There’s just so much more these two guys could do together.
by CarverM on Nov 6, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But did you call it getting "Shockey'ed"
Because that was really the point
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be too expensive to....
get rid of Cooley in the next couple years. You have to take an immediate cap hit on the prorated portions of the bonuses left in the contract. I am not sure of the bonuses, but he signed 6yr/30 mil in 2007! I would bet it’s up there!
by shvd98z24 on Nov 6, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Predictions
Can I have some of what you’re smoking?
It all sounds soooooo good but I think what you described is what would be needed for the Skins to win…
by Hustler of Culture on Nov 6, 2009 11:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Thomas and Davis will look to come out strong again after their performance last week. But if Marko gets a chance to score a touchdown, he’ll be stealing the opportunity from Davis and Thomas. So maybe Thomas only gets one… :)
I’d like to see a pick 6 from the defense.
by SSBlitz on Nov 6, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see Hall
have that pick-6, in addition to the PR for TD. How sweet of an FU to Atlanta would that be?
by CarverM on Nov 6, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So...
Jason Campbell throws 3 TDs
Fred Davis catches one
Devin Thomas catches two
Marko Mitchell catches one
What’s the trick play?
"One-on-one? You can't." -Gilbert Arenas
JC Bandwagon all day!
by kseandoyle on Nov 6, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I said Devin would score two, not catch two
He has scored on a handoff/reverse before.
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So
the trick play is Devin with and end-around?
"One-on-one? You can't." -Gilbert Arenas
JC Bandwagon all day!
by kseandoyle on Nov 6, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
didn't say devin was gonna catch 2
just that he was gonna get two. one could be the infamous reverse play that got him his first touchdown
SpotieOtieDopalicious
by Rekka on Nov 6, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Randel El runs one in.
From the Wildcat.
by SSBlitz on Nov 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember...
these are Friday Night “Mights.” Since there is uncertainty built in, the math does not need to work out perfectly.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Nov 6, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not buying it
I demand precision in all things Redskins football. It’s mentalities like that that have let our offensive line fall apart in the past few years.
"One-on-one? You can't." -Gilbert Arenas
JC Bandwagon all day!
by kseandoyle on Nov 6, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the Kool Aid too
But I’m not seeing this. With our O-Line, we are woefully unequipped to score this much. If we win, it’s because we force Falcons turnovers and shut down Matty Ice and Turner.
by BDBrian on Nov 6, 2009 11:48 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Personally I think the stats & score will be pretty similar to the Eagles game
Matty Ice will have slightly better stats than McNabb did, and at the same time we won’t give up 2 super-long TD plays.
If we score another 2 TDs I’ll be happy, given the state of our offensive line.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 11:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I am wearing my 21 at work today!!!!! We own those fools!!!!! GO GIT’ EM!!!!!!!
by brettpedigo on Nov 6, 2009 12:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
A skeptic
I wish I could feel that the ‘skins have a chance against the Falcons, but we’ve got to recognize the truth. The Redskins are a lousy team run by an incompetent front office and owned by an incompetent owner.
I seriously doubt that the ’skins will win another game this year.
Paul Johnstone, Frustrated in NC
by fansince56 on Nov 6, 2009 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
thanks for bringing that into our friday night mights
SpotieOtieDopalicious
by Rekka on Nov 6, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You might be right...
but for now I wish to revel in my comfortable state of delusional optimism – if only for another day or so.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
by Scott E on Nov 6, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we can't lie to ourselves,
Who can we lie to?
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fan of who since 56?
It really doesn’t sound like you’re a Redskins fan. And if you are, your life must be very depressing.
by SSBlitz on Nov 6, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what's the point of personal attacks?
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess all the negativity you guys post is getting to my.
My bad, I’m sorry.
by SSBlitz on Nov 6, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you know, gently encourage people to realize these are -hopeful/daydream- posts
I know it took me a while to realize that.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
by smutsboy1 on Nov 6, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
come on man...
we’re not making it up. it’s what’s real. posts like the “mights” are an escape for me as much as anyone.
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it Sugar!
Wrap it up and send it in. Watchin the game now will be like watchin the replays.
by grandpa grouse on Nov 6, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I like the optimism
and im an as optimistic redskins fan as they come but your projections even made me smile. you have campbell throwing 3 td’s but you have receivers catching a total of four. davis catchin one, thomas catching two, mitchell catching one and DHall returning one for another….thats 4 offensive td’s and one ST td. you could string a number of our games played this season and we still wouldnt have a stat line like that. I hope your right, but i wont be holding my breath
by CuseSkinsfan1 on Nov 6, 2009 4:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Personally,
I predict the skins to hang half a hundred every week. Dream big.
by CarverM on Nov 6, 2009 5:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thomsa scores two
never said he catches two…
Where’s Rekka on this?
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I perdict...
JC comes out and fumbles on first down but recovers it, gets sacked on second down and then throws an interception on third down for a touchdown….oh wait that was the last game and the game before that and the game before that…..
Reality says that we get beaten by the Falcons. I may eat my words….and that would be a good thing.
I love the optimism and all but I ain’t drinking kool aid with this team…..
JC is not going to bloom any time soon!
by poopo on Nov 6, 2009 7:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Man
am I tired of this negativity. Go root for the Iggles- you’d fit right in with their ‘fans’.
by CarverM on Nov 6, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it ain't negativity, it is reality....
you can perdict anything you want…but I just call it as it is…
we are never going to break out. We suck. JC sucks, our line sucks, our D sucks now. Our defensive backs couldn’t tackle a pee wee team, let alone a NFL offense.
Everyone needs to wake up and start sending their anger toward the skins front office….
by poopo on Nov 8, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Any Given Sunday my friends.......
I love it Sugar! Let’s hope this team can finally live up to some of the expectations coming off a bye week!
by shvd98z24 on Nov 6, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
falcons
well, these are some big mights right now
by Shipedaddy on Nov 8, 2009 2:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
BAAAD Predictions!
These are the worst predictions ever!!! Sugar: its time to hang it up.
by JohnnyYuma on Nov 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
come on....
It makes all of feel good…. until kickoff. Keep it up!!!!!!
by brettpedigo on Nov 8, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here are some thoughts....
With all of our problems, an there are TONS!!! At least we did not let the face of our franchise go who brought us out out a 30 year funk, only to have it fall to pieces and loose to a 0-7 team with a rookie starting his first game EVER, while having that icon kill teams! I feel just fine this day, now!!!
HERE COMES BRADFORD!!!!!
by brettpedigo on Nov 8, 2009 5:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
George Allen
Can we raise John Allen from his sleep. Think his spirit can do a better job!!!
by JohnnyYuma on Nov 8, 2009 5:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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