Sunday, October 09, 2005
NFL: Washington at Denver
Washington should have won. They ran up yards on a Denver defense that didn’t look nearly as sharp as they had over the last few weeks. They limited Denver to an anemic 257 yards in total offense (and less than 100 yards passing). Seen from that view, it’s pure luck that Denver came out ahead 12-19.
From another view, Washington would have been lucky to win. They didn’t convert field goals that would have put them on top, they penalized themselves out of scoring position at the end of the first half, and the Broncos came up with most of the big plays. Big run plays for scores, big defensive plays to keep the Redskins from tying the game late, and even a big punt to force the ‘Skins to chew up the clock late in the game.
The Broncos--who couldn’t get a consistent running or passing game going, who had a hard time stopping Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, and Mark Brunell--really didn’t do a lot of the little things right today. They just came up with big plays when they most needed them.
The whole thing was tough, gritty, and close throughout, with strange officiating (That wasn’t a fumble by Jake Plummer in the endzone and that wasn’t a catch out of bound by Santana Moss? Really?) and a frightening injury to the umpire. In other words, it wasn’t the way the Broncos wanted to win on a cold, rainy Denver day, but it’s good enough to ensure that they stay on top of the AFC for now. Ultimately, it’s true that a win is a win, but the Broncos will need to play better if they want to beat Kansas in Kansas, San Diego in San Diego, and Dallas in Dallas (just for instance).
At 4-1, the siren call of the bandwagon is growing harder to ignore, though…
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Comments & Trackbacks
That tuck rule? I thought they changed it. They certainly should.
Santana Moss most definitely didn’t make that catch in bounds.
Man, the tuck rule is idiotic and it really should be changed. Not that I’m complaining too loudly right now. If I were pulling for the Redskins yesterday, though, I’d be mighty cranky right now.
I’m actually happier about the Redskins now, after the loss. The offense played much much better than in previous games I’ve watched. If it wasn’t for the stupid tuck rule they would have had a safety and then (possibly) won the game 22-21.
I think installing all those mirrors and smoke machines at Invesco Stadium in the off-season is really paying off. [/snark]
I wish I could’ve watched the game, but they weren’t showing it here.
But there’s one thing I can’t let slide: It’s not “Kansas” and you won’t come to “Kansas” to play. It’s Missouri. Kansas City Missouri. We Missourians (I was born there) actually own the Chiefs, but we let Kansans be fans, too. Still, It’s a Missouri team. Missouri has two pro football teams...Kansas has none (the poor, dumb bastards). Sure, you might get a different story if you talk to someone from Lawrence, but who cares what they think?
Well, a win is a win, but the Broncos can’t luck their way through the season. And while they won, the game film is a gold mine for opposing teams.
I predict they’ll fail to make the playoffs altogether this year.
Nathan, I know (used to date) one of those people from Lawrence that you’re talking about--and you’re right, she would have disagreed loudly. Of course, she’s one of the big reasons that I enjoy watching KC lose games, but that’s neither here nor there…
Robin, I’m still thinking they make it as a Wild Card and break our hearts again. But, then, I had them pegged to lose to San Diego and possibly Washington by this point before the season started, and after the Miami game I figured they might not win the KC game, either. So what do I know?
Arrowhead is on the Missouri side of the river. So’s the bulk of the “Kansas City” metroplex population, I’m pretty sure.
You’re right about Kansas City, Nathan. It’s primarily in Missouri.
Are the Chiefs owned by the citizens of Missouri? If so, I didn’t know that.
Um, not “owned” in the financial sense, no.
But in the “moral highground” sense. The Royals-Cardinals World Series was not considered by anyone (except maybe Kansans) as being an interstate series. It was touted as an Intra-state series. The Governor’s Cup for whoever wins the Chiefs-Rams game in preseason each year has nothing to do with Kansas’ governor. It’s all Missouri.
Throw in a few latin words that mean: No matter how you slice it, The Chiefs play in Missouri.
Speaking of bad NFL rules, are you watching the game right now? I’m sorry, but if you muff a fair catch it’s bullshit that someone else can’t grab the ball.
I just put on a post on the subject. Insanely stupid call.