Well,the situation is now reversed from last week. Last week, we had a chip on our soldiers stemming from the cheap win given to the Bucs during the regular season, and I intentionally say 'given'. That chip led us to a quick lead and defense did the rest. Now we waltz into Seattle knowing fully that we beat them in the regular season in overtime.
Both teams are completely different from that first matchup however. The Redskins are a little beat up on defense and offense. However, they are riding a 6 game win streak and the kind of heart and determination that can keep an underdog in the playoffs. Not to mention not a soul is giving them a chance.
Seattle comes to this game well rested, if not a bit rusty. They come into the playoffs as the number 1 seed, and consensus favorite at least in this game if not to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
What needs to happen. Our offense needs to control the ball. Portis needs to keep running like he has and Chris Cooley needs to be 'first-down' huge on third down passing situations. Brunell must settle down early which means the o-line can't let him take a hit or two early in the game. Tends to make him antsy in the pocket.
Defensively, we have got to stop them on first and second down. They are near the bottom of the league in third down conversion attempts meaning they usually only need two plays to get a first down. Plugging up Shawn Alexander will go along way in controlling the tempo of this game....
I say that like it's easy.....;)
