For Skins fans, I-95 envy
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
11/01/09 10:42 PM EST
 |
It was a bye week for the Washington Redskins. But for their fans, there was no respite from the Sunday aggravation on TV. In the marquee games on FOX and CBS, fans in Baltimore and Philadelphia, just up I-95, were fired up and enjoying uplifting victories.
Ah, football, the way it was meant to be.
While the Ravens were putting a sleeper hold on the previously undefeated Broncos, 30-7, the Eagles were all over the 2007 Super Bowl champion Giants, 40-17.
Here in Washington, we view Baltimore as a goofy little brother, the one who flips his eyelids inside out at Thanksgiving. But when it comes to football, it's the Ravens' organization that consistently fields a quality product. Sunday was an example as Baltimore used its signature aggressive defense and its well-protected young quarterback, Joe Flacco (20 of 25, 175 yards), to dominate Denver.
As for the Eagles (5-2) and Giants (5-3), there's usually some pleasure for Redskins fans watching two NFC East rivals go at it, knowing one will lose and the other will be bruised. But these days, with the Redskins (2-5) hopelessly adrift, there's only melancholy. Playing a division foe in a game with consequences? That looks like fun.
At Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles jumped on the Giants quickly, averaging eight yards per snap as Donovan McNabb (17 of 23, 240 yards) dialed it up a notch from his mediocre showing in Washington six days earlier.
The Eagles also demonstrated their personnel acumen. LeSean McCoy (11 carries, 82 yards), Leonard Weaver (8 carries, 75 yards), DeSean Jackson (3 catches, 78 yards), Brent Celek (4 catches, 61 yards) and Jeremy Maclin (4 catches, 47 yards) all scored touchdowns Sunday, demonstrating Philadelphia has rebuilt its offense quickly and inexpensively -- five easy pieces.
Philadelphia was a sports mecca Sunday. With the Eagles-Giants at 1 and the Phillies-Yankees World Series game across the parking lot at 8:20, Broad Street was awash with geared up, foul-mouthed, alcohol-fueled fans -- a virtual Mookapalooza.
How far is Washington from enjoying such a sports bonanza?
Let's go Caps!
Follow The Examiner
