Never believe players who talk of playing for pride at the end of a losing season. It’s simply not true.
Washington’s 34-10 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday was the Redskins’ worst effort of a terrible season. Worse than losing to Carolina, Miami and Minnesota. Worse than the 23-0 loss at Buffalo.
The Redskins simply didn’t care. Forget energy, they were merely fulfilling an obligation before heading to the offseason for some fun and sun.
Players better hope coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t grade the game film or more than a few won’t return.
Santana Moss drew a critical penalty for removing his helmet while arguing a call. That 15-yarder on first-and-goal at the 3-yard line was haunting. Moss should know better as an 11-year veteran. Certainly Redskins fans remember Michael Westbrook’s infamous helmet removal that cost the Redskins in a 7-7 tie against the New York Giants in 1997.
Moss always claims pass interference every time he doesn’t catch the ball. Every time. No word on his dropped pass at the 2-yard line. It was tight coverage, but the bottom line is the ball was in his hands. With 46 catches and four touchdowns in 12 games, it may be time to reconsider Moss’ future.
Donte Stallworth, a nine-year veteran, brought a 15-yard penalty for shining Roy Helu’s shoes after the latter scored. Everybody knows what constitutes an excessive celebration penalty, so that was selfish.
A fifth blocked field goal this season? Why didn’t they ever plug that right guard hole?
And the first half ending without a field goal attempt was ridiculous. Six months and 20 games and the team absolutely melted down with two centers on the field. There was more chaos than Air Jordan shoe sales.
Why did Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman throw over the middle twice in the waning seconds? Work the sidelines. Everyone knows that.
And why didn’t the offense know to get off the field for special teams?
Defensively, there were way too many standing-up tackles, which lessens the risk for injuries with the offseason looming. It was playing safe and proved costly several times.
Overall, the team looked like one ready for the offseason. Many of them certainly won’t return next year. A 5-11 team can afford to change some players. Maybe half the team. Players know it so maybe that’s why some looked like they didn’t care.
Shanahan loves to say he has “character” players. Well, they let down their coach and fans still watching after another miserable year. That’s inexcusable.
At least the season is done. Time for four months of draft talk over trading up to take Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.
After all, there’s nothing left to see here.
