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Measure this organization by its passion
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Related Topics: WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - I tried to imagine myself in the shoes of Redskins players this past Sunday. I tried to visualize what was going through their minds, when my own emotions got the best of me. How could anyone in their right minds expect these guys to come out and play at the high level that is required to compete in this league? It couldn’t be done, but in reality, it had to be done. Less than a week after the death of Sean Taylor, this group of guys played with pride, heart, and determination against the Buffalo Bills.
The end result didn’t really matter. What did matter, and what should be recognized, is the fact that this team even played — and played hard. There were no excuses, no complaining, just 60 minutes of football. The Redskins didn’t play perfect, but they played with a passion that everyone in America could see. We all wanted to see them win, to win for Sean, but they won as a team before they even took the field. They won by coming out to practice during the week, and they won by even playing. Forget about the wins and losses for a minute, because football goes a lot deeper in these men than the final score. You are judged by wins and losses in the standings, and that’s it. You are judged as men, and as teammates, by how you handle adverse situations.
This team, this organization, deserves a standing ovation for the class it showed throughout the entire week and Sunday. They could have come out flat, played without emotion, and just laid down. No one would have blamed them. Instead, they played like professionals. As an ex-member of this organization, one who still believes greatly in the leadership a coach such as Gregg Williams, I expect this team to play every minute of every game for the rest of the season as hard as they can. They will be prepared for Chicago Thursday night, and they will be in every game the rest of the season. This isn’t the time to worry about wins and losses. This is the time to sit back and watch a group of talented men play with passion and desire that will make us all proud.
Former Redskins safety Matt Bowen, a seven-year NFL veteran, contributes a weekly column to The Examiner during the NFL season.
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:03 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008 re: "Williams is the best choice for Redskins"
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10:02 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "Williams is the best choice for Redskins"
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8:53 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "No need to look outside, Williams is the best choice"
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8:08 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008
re: "No need to look outside, Williams is the best choice"
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10:17 PM MST on Sat., Dec. 29, 2007
re: "Separating the ‘guy’ from the backup QB"
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7:40 AM MST on Fri., Dec. 28, 2007
re: "Separating the ‘guy’ from the backup QB"
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1:47 PM MST on Fri., Nov. 30, 2007
re: "Taylor’s death magnifies life"
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10:30 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007
re: "Warner impressive, throbbing elbow and all"
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4:58 PM MST on Fri., Sep. 28, 2007
re: "Skins at home in Tampa Two"
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12:54 PM MST on Wed., Sep. 26, 2007
re: "Skins at home in Tampa Two"
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GAB said:
My crystal ball is analog and the world is digital now, so I'll go with my gut feelings. Snyder is going to hire Williams. He has to go through the motions, but I think he's actually beginning to learn how to run a football team, thanks to Gibbs' mentoring. Now, watch him hire Cowhers and prove me wrong!
105 agree | 89 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yeh Danny, Williams is a good fit. DO NOT go out and try to change things around again. It didn't work in the past nor will it work now. Less of course you want to start losing your fans? The wheels are in motion, so let them continue to spin. If not for a few close loses last season, we would have hosted the Seahawks as opposed to going there. That should tell you something right there. Williams for HC position and bring in O cho Cinco to compliment Moss.
94 agree | 102 disagree
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Dan said:
Greg Williams is the best choice for the job of coaching the Washington Redskins. The team doesn't need to look any further.
125 agree | 111 disagree
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S.Bishop said:
I totally agree! I love Greg Williams and think he is absolutley the best fit!! Comment from a life long Redskin Fan
100 agree | 102 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Collins takes less risk in my opinion, and simply makes the smart choice with the ball. Good article!
103 agree | 91 disagree
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Gabe said:
Matt, I hope you know how many skins fans stop to read your columns. You are great and keep up the amazing, intelligent, and insightful work.
110 agree | 108 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Thank you Matt Bowen. It's good to hear insights from those who knew the man as opposed to the wild speculations and insinuations of those who garner attention by thoughtlessly rehashing dismissed accusations.
130 agree | 127 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I was glad to read Matt Bowen's column on the game performance by Curt Warner...he proved to be a competitive warrior and as I watched it seemed like a throw back to NFL "heart" of years ago not seen as frequently these days. I'm sure Cardinal players were motivated by his gutsy showing---maybe Russ Grimm can bring back such traits when he becomes a head coach. Between Vinny Testaverde and Curt Warner I see an add for AARP in the off season---these vets are showing true NFL grit.
163 agree | 155 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Matt Bowen - enjoyed watching you play. Also enjoyed your revealing article on Skins and the Tampa 2. I say 'revealing' because this summer I had read that the Skins would play Cover 1 and Cover 3 more than Cover 2. I assume Tampa 2 and Cover 2 are pretty much the same.
190 agree | 212 disagree
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Overpaid Al said:
This defense requires a strict discipline in coverage area and reaction. It is challenged by the same routes run by every team. Sunday, the Giants kept sending tight end Jeremy Shockey down the seam against Fletcher, and had receiver Plaxico Burress sit down in the holes vacated by defenders. Three major routes can beat the Tampa 2: the 7-route (hitch, corner), where they sneak in a corner route behind the corner and in front of the safety; four verticals where they put two seam routes on Fletcher, and the outside vertical stretch (flat-corner-go route), where they run off the safety and hit the 7-route over the corner. Ok if its so obvious to Bowen then why wasn't this the least bit apparent to a coaching staff grossing millions of dollars a season in income. Maybe Matt Bowen should be hired on to help Overpaid Al!!!
214 agree | 220 disagree
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