In victory, Redskins show guts, heart

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, November 06, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Washington Redskins
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In the Washington Redskins' 22-19 victory over archrival Dallas on Sunday, it was clear the 'Skins, who are now 3-5, weren't ready to lie down and call it a season. Entering FedEx Field at 2-5, there was plenty of reason to pack it in. A team constructed of lesser character and coaching would have done the same.

Washington showed that it's made of winners, not those who run and hide during adverse situations.

Though the Cowboys had their chances to win and improve to 5-3 on Sunday, they were pestered all afternoon by the feisty Redskins, who weren't ready to yield to their hated rival.

When Mike Vanderjagt lined up to kick Dallas to triumph in the game's final seconds, the Redskins revealed what they were all about.

Defensive back Troy Vincent, left for dead by the Buffalo Bills earlier in the season, blocked the kick, which was returned by high-paid safety Sean Taylor. Rather than fall down on the ball, Taylor put forth a tremendous effort, running it back to Dallas territory. The 23-year-old even drew a colossally important 15-yard facemask penalty from Cowboys offensive lineman Kyle Kosier, putting the Redskins at the 'Boys' 30-yard line. Washington's kicker, Nick Novak, took the field and nailed a 47-yarder, giving his team an improbable win.

The Redskins' win may have just been something to put off the inevitably of them being knocked from playoff contention eventually, but the game won't be forgotten in D.C. any time soon. After all, for the players and fans in Washington, this was Dallas week, a time for character to be unmasked.

The 'Skins, in Week 2, were shellacked, 27-10, by the Cowboys in Texas Stadium, falling to 0-2 in the process. Redemption was clearly on the team's mind, even though it was missing star receiver Santana Moss.

Since the return of soon-to-be 66-year-old head coach Joe Gibbs from retirement in 2004, the Redskins have been among the league's most inconsistent teams. One week they'll fall flat, then follow that up with an inspiring victory. Of course, the latter was the case on Sunday.

Gibbs, a three-time Super Bowl champion, was a big part of the Redskins' third win. A team not as well-coached likely would have lied down for Dallas. After all, what do these 'Skins really have to play for? Answer: each other. At 3-5, it's still going to be extremely difficult to make a playoff run.

If last year taught Washington anything, though, it's to never give up. The Redskins began the 2005 season 5-6, won five straight to end the season, earned an improbable playoff bid, then advanced to the NFC Divisional Round. Perhaps lightning can strike twice.

When Joe Gibbs is on the sideline, anything's possible.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Washington Redskins at RealFootball365.com.
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