That was embarrassing.
The New England Patriots may flirt with going undefeated this year. They could break all offensive records. A fourth Super Bowl trophy is looming.
But, Washington was humiliated 52-7 Sunday. Just beaten up and down the field. Coach Joe Gibbs can talk all he wants about pride, but real pros don’t get slapped around all day. There’s no truth to rumors the Redskins stood during the flight back after getting their butts beat so badly, though.
It was remindful of “Braveheart” when horrified onlookers cried “Mercy” just before Mel Gibson got the axe. The dark lord Bill Belichick offered none, though. So what if the Patriots ran a fourth-down quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter? There’s no crying in football, either.
The Redskins head to the hapless New York Jets on Sunday on the brink of collapse approaching midseason. The 4-3 mark doesn’t seem hopeless and the Redskins should beat the Jets, but New England exposed Washington as the playoff pretender it truly is.
Time for tough love is coming, and coming hard. The Redskins are heading for their third losing season in four years under Gibbs and there’s nothing that can stop it.
The offensive playcalling remains more conservative than a Bible Belt congressman. A dump-off pass on the final play of the first half? A fourth down pass thrown short at the 11? Belichick didn’t even try to steal the Redskins signals.
Frankly, Dan Snyder wasted $2 million annually on offensive coordinator Al Saunders. Snyder wanted to fire a couple defensive coordinators at midseason years ago. No one would argue over Saunders’ dismissal this morning.
Indeed, Saunders couldn’t even communicate with the sideline in the first half and no one noticed. What is it with the Redskins and audio equipment? Forget the practice squad. They need someone from the Geek Squad.
Quarterback Jason Campbell looked so bad against the Patriots that playing Mark Brunell seemed inviting. Three rebel groups called Campbell asking if he could help overthrow their government. Three fumbles during sacks? Maybe the White House can send over some protection.
Allowing the Patriots offense 45 points isn’t that alarming given New England’s blowing out everyone, though 35 first downs was ridiculous. The Redskins defense will be back, but the offense shows no sign of recovery. Clinton Portis looks cooked with 27 yards, especially behind a makeshift line. Santana Moss averaged 6.8 yards on six catches. That’s eight catches for 49 yards in three games for the one-time gamebreaker.
Unfortunately, there’s no Plan B, C or Z to resolving this mess. The Redskins are who we feared they are — mediocre.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
