I am all over Philly.
Washington's game against Arizona was poorly played on Washington's half. Arizona has one offensive weapon in Boston, and Washington's game plan on defense still gave up a number of points and failed in many instances on key downs and plays. I hate to think of what will happen to them against a stronger team.
Fred Smoot, despite the apparent divine intervention he was receiving on his behalf for two plays (as evidenced by his joyous fall to his knees and praying to the sky) was basically bitchslapped by the Arizona receivers and was getting crossed up on damn near every move that the receivers made off the line of scrimmage. He is undersized and his mouth might be the best and only part of his game.
Washington additionally is weakened when they send out a nickel or dime package, as Darrell Green, although the anti-Smoot and someone with a tremendous amound of character and class, is not the defender that he used to be. He made one play when he was in zone coverage and didn't have very far to go, but overall he lacked the range in a couple zone defensive sets.
Offensively, Spurriers team did start to open the field a little bit in the second half, but again, it's against Arizona. Spurrier has such a hesistancy to run hard up the middle, I think that if he continues this, he will fall behind quickly against a better team and not be able to come back. Also, against a better team, the defense will be relatively rested and healthy come the 4th quarter if the Skins are not pounding it to them at some point in the game.
Special Teams on Washington is another major concern, and one that will be surely addressed early this week (i.e. Conway gone and somebody new in) But still, that means that the kicker was the second option and not as good as the first could have been. It's an embarassment that on a team of 50+ people, they couldn't find one that can kick the ball past the 35 yard line. I've seen high school kickers do that.
Spurrier and the Skins will get their first test of an above average team next week, and I don't think they'll be up for the challenge.
I didn't watch the Philly game, but maybe someone could comment on how they played and how they might repeat or adjust to this upcoming week.
