Last night, my hometown Washington Redskins were embarassed on national television by the Cincinnati Bengals. Granted, 19-3 is nothing to jump off of a bridge for in the preseason. Here are some the positives:
* The pass protection was amazing. Brunell appeared to have all day to throw, which is important in this vertical passing game.
* The absence of Antwaan Randle-El was perfect. I predict that he will be the true X-factor when Washington opens the season without Portis. If the defense can keep the game close, the difference maker will be if they can execute a backbreaking trick play.
* The first team defense played hungry. Anthony Wright may suck, but there are quite a few suck-ass quarterbacks in the NFL. Should be another stellar season from the defense.
But let's not start sucking each other's dicks yet. There were a few things that were alarming as hell that jumped off of my television:
* Mark Brunell looked god-awful last night. Here's a guy who has been lauded by many (including yours truly) for being a smart quarterback who will not make big mistakes. Well, last night, he shit that theory right out of his pretentious Christian asshole. His interception to Keiwan Ratliff not only resulted in the dislocated shoulder of Clinton Portis, but was scarily reminscient of his 2004 season where he battled nagging injuries all season. If Brunell is hurt, the coaching and training staff must sit him out. He is too vital to this offense to run around and risk his crusty knees getting busted up on a bootleg.
* The Redskins are painfully thin at running back. When Portis came out, we were treated to a three headed monster that wouldn't strike fear into the Virginia Tech front seven. Out of all of the clowns who ran the ball, Mike Sellers was the only one who was effective and could be counted on to gain more than 14 inches per rush. If Ladell Betts' hamstrings continue to be a problem, this team is going to sputter until Portis returns.
* Reed Doughty...nice knowing you kid. You got your dick handed to you twice on national TV. Here's to the Greely, Col. UPS distribution center having an opening for the early shift.
* Did I mention quarterback woes? Todd Collins sucks. The man is straight ass-water.
Until next week...Go Skins.