NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

By RedskinsGab columnist Rajan Nanavati

Lost in the Euphoria of the Redskins win over the Cowboys was the fact that Dallas beat themselves as much as Washington defeated them. Asinine play calling, dumb penalties, and the coup de grace that was Alex Barron's hold on Brian Orakpo on the very last play of the game did Dallas in.

But as the old saying goes: "turnabout is fair play." Because this week, it was the Redskins turn to frustratingly hand over a victory to their Texan opponents, much in the same manner they received last week.

Sure, the game went into overtime and didn't end until 2/3rd of the way through the extra period, but anyone watching the game knows that the sequence of events which took place in the 4th quarter ultimately decided the outcome of the game.

Donovan McNabb, who in my opinion had the best performance by a Redskins quarterback in over a decade, marched the Redskins down the field halfway through the 4th quarter. After McNabb rattled off a string of clutch throws to his rag-tag group of receivers, Clinton Portis began delivering body shots to a Houston defense unable to cope with the Redskins balanced attack. There is absolutely no question that the Redskins had the Texans reeling and on the ropes, one decisive blow away from putting Houston down for the count.

But on a critical third and one deep in Houston territory, Jammal Brown jumped off sides before McNabb even began his cadence, pushing the Redskins back five yards and away from a virtually certain first down rushing attempt by Portis. McNabb's next pass for Santana Moss fell incomplete, and Graham Gano's field goal attempt was subsequently blocked by Bernard Pollard, who got just enough of his hand on the ball to deflect it, thanks to an "olé" block from Tight End Fred Davis.

Boom, play of the game. Instead of going up two scores, the Texans are only down by a touchdown, thanks to a serious of gaffes by the Redskins. And the burgundy and gold faithful slowly began to feel that painful knot in their stomachs from the premonition of the all-too-familiar events that would follow.

Even after Houston handed the Redskins one more chance to put the game way, after a questionable short passing attempt the Texans were backed up in a 3rd and long leading to a quick three and out, the Redskins could not finish off their opponents despite victory sitting virtually on their fingertips.

McNabb's ridiculously deep bomb to Galloway was literally centimeters away from being the type of knockout punch that would have not only sealed the victory, but perhaps changed the course of the entire season. But it just wasn't meant to be, as it sailed right through Galloway's hands, and the Redskins were forced, yet again, to hand the ball back to Houston. Andre Johnson's jump ball touchdown with just over a minute left came on the subsequent drive, tying the score and putting momentum permanently in Houston's favor.

And even then, the Redskins still found one more way to fritter away their last chance at victory. Perhaps in the cruelest twist of irony, Stephon Heyer held Mario Williams in a virtual sleeper hold – much the way Barron did to Orakpo – erasing a long first down completion to Moss that would have put the Redskins a major step closer to a potential redemptive game-winning field goal. Instead, the Redskins would have to punt the ball and watch the Texans take the game into overtime, and eventually win the game in the extra session.

That's why this one hurts so much, even with numerous positives to be taken from the game. The Redskins were inches away from winning this game, crowning McNabb as the NFC player of the week, and announcing to the league that the team in Washington will no long dwell in the cellar of the NFC East.

Instead, they will spend this week licking their wounds, and watching film of a game what was just a fingertips length from a completely different outcome.

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Seattle’s had an up-and-down start to the 2010 season, but returns to the familiar confines of Qwest Field to face a former division foe in the San Diego Chargers.

With that in mind, SeahawksGab turns the keys over to you, the readers, today for the weekly soundoff with the Tuesday Two Deep.

Can't get enough NFLGridironGab? Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

Jclombardi reviews and grades the Packers win over the Bills.

Guest senior writer jclombardi @ http://lombardiave.com

Summary: QB Rodgers threw for 255 yards with touchdown passes to WR Driver and WR Jones and scrambled for another score as the Packers beat the Bills 34-7 at Lambeau Field. The running game struggled as RB Jackson rushed for only 29 yards and one touchdown.  FB Kuhn outrushed Jackson gaining 36 yards.  Meanwhile, LB Matthews had three sacks to lead a dominant defensive performance. LB Chillar and rookie S Burnett each got a key interception in the second half as the Packers (2-0) held the Bills to 186 yards of total offense.

Game Balls: LB Matthews; LB Hawk; S Burnett; TE Finley.

Report Card Grades–Good, Bad, & Ugly (LA vs. SE):

Pass Offense—B+ vs B. In the first half, the team settled for two field goals on its first two drives. They cannot afford to do that. Then, after a mediocre first half, QB Rodgers rebounded in the second half completing 19 of 29 passes for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns. TE Finley exploited Buffalo's curious game plan to put only one defender on him and took over with four receptions for 103 yards, including big plays of 34, 32 and 22 yards. Rodgers looked away from an incredibly wide-open Finley for what could have been a 57-yard touchdown in the third quarter. With rookie Bulaga replacing an ineffective LT Clifton in the second quarter, the offensive line played strong allowing no sacks.

Rush Offense—D vs D. The running game epitomized ineptness on the ground. Mike McCarty's back-by-committee trio of RB Jackson, FB Kuhn and rookie RB Nance combined for 71 yards in 22 carries averaging a poor 3.2 yards. Jackson rushed 11 times for only 29 yards and one touchdown lacking power or decisiveness.  He struggled to make the right read and cut to get to the second level. Kuhn was more effective with nine carries for 36 yards. The run blocking was so-so.

Pass Defense—A+ vs A. LB Matthews continued to dominate the defense getting three sacks.  DE Jenkins had the fourth sack of QB Edwards who only completed 11 of his 18 passes for a meager 102 yards. Matthews' performance inspired linebackers Hawk and Chillar. Hawk was on the field for 43 of the Bills' 54 plays. He made more good plays than bad plays. He stood out on occasion with pressure on Edwards, including a big hit on a tandem blitz with CB Woodson that resulted in the first career interception for Chillar. LB Jones played strong against the run, but he had no pressures. LB Barnett had one pressure and looked generally solid to strip blockers getting to make plays. Rookie S Burnett played better getting his second interception. The coverage teams did a good job holding the Bills receivers to very little big plays. Yet, C Woodson had a mixed day allowing several big plays.

Rush defense—C vs C-. Compared to last year, the Packers seem to lack consistency to stop the Bills misdirection run game. The Bills got 124 rushing yards averaging a decent 3.9 yards, although halftime adjustments helped to shut them down. With two pressures, T Raji looks like a much improved player having found his spot at the nose. While he missed several tackles, DE Pickett showed good lateral quickness in the run game. Rookie S Burnett is improving, but he needs to show more aggressive and to do sure tackling against the run. It will come with time. Meanwhile, DC Capers made a wise move adjusting the defense to play S Collins in the box.

Special teams—B vs B. The special teams had a decent game. KR Nelson averaged a good 30.5 yards on kickoff returns. Yet, PR Williams was irrelevant just averaging just 7.3 yards on punt returns. K Crosby connected on two field goals.  On 7 kickoffs, he average 67.3 yards and 4.07 seconds of hang time. P Masthay averaged only 40.3 gross yards and 33.7 net yards on the first miss-hit two punts, but his third pooch punch was a good one that the team failed to down inside the five. The coverage units held their own against Buffalo's elite special teams. The coverage on Bills KR Spiller was great until his last two returns of 36 yards and 41 yards toward the end of the game.

Coaching—B vs B+. Head coach McCarthy evidently lit a much-needed fire under his team's collective rear end, particularly the sputtering offense, with his fiery monologue at halftime. While the passing game flourished in the second half, doubts are creeping in about how McCarthy will compensate for Grant's absence in the run game. The replacements-by-committee didn't work for this game. Meanwhile, coordinators Capers and Slocum continue to get big-time production from the defense and special teams, respectively

Overall Game—B+ vs CBS Sportsline B+–Take away a second quarter that they basically slept through, the Packers were nearly perfect. The offense was a bit sluggish and benefited from great field position, but the defense, with four sacks and two INTs, was flawless.

CHTV Good, Bad & Ugly: Good—Matthews, Finley & Bulaga; Bad—Jackson, Clifton & Collins; Ugly—Bills.

Commentary: With a good early season start, the Packers are 2-0.

Preview: A showdown road game against the unbearable Bears.

During one punt return Reggie Bush made an impact, his presence was felt.  That return lead to an eventual field goal to put his team up 19-14.  His 43-yard rumble showed his value, worth yet again.  Earlier in the game he was on the receiving end of a Drew Brees touchdown pass on 3rd and Goal to give the Saints an 8-0 lead.  A net of nine points.  Difference maker.

However, later in the 4th quarter following his 43-yard momentum-changer, the next punt return was not so memorable.  Actually, it was unforgettable.

That’s when Reggie prepared for another punt at his own 19-yard line.  Then he waited, only to muff Andy Lee’s booming kick.  That wasn’t even bad, well, not as bad as what was about to unfold.

Midway 4th quarter with the Saints ahead 22-14, Bush after his muff, then fell on his mistake, and proceeded to recover the ball.  Good, right?  He recovered.  Yes.  Good?  No.   Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the story, as Ahmad Brooks and other 49ers arrived, pouncing on the loose ball, and more importantly Bush’s leg.

While lying on the ground with trainers surrounding to attend to him, the replays showed the obvious, painful truth: it bent back the wrong way.  It looked really bad.  Had to rewind that on the TIVO just to get a second look.  Tough break.

Unnamed inside sources say the former USC star athlete could be sidelined up to six weeks.  How much does his loss affect the defending Super Bowl champs?  We shall find out soon enough.  As for how much his value, worth will be missed, we’ll get a glimpse starting next Sunday against division rival Atlanta.

Although being caught up in an Executive Board Meeting yesterday, I was able to keep an eye on the Texans-Skins game.  When the Texans went for the punt instead of the 52-yard Rackers field goal, I only questioned Kubiak's choice beforehand to pass instead of run on 3rd-and-3 in Skins territory.  

When I fully watched the game later that night, I realized that the move would likely upset the ignorant of the full world of football-decision-making.  And in fact, many of my Facebook friends littered my newsfeed with Kubiak insults for the decision to punt rather than kick. And to that; I am writing this article to justify Kubiak's decision to punt the ball rather than attempt a Rackers field goal.

There are several reasons that an NFL head coach would rather punt the ball than attempt a 52-yard field goal away from home, with an in-the-zone defense, and where the kicker already had missed a field goal from fewer yardage than the possible attempt.  My reasons for justifying Kubiak's decision are as follows:

1) Trust the Defense. Neil Rackers understands it, Gary Kubiak understands it, probably even Bob Dole understands it.  The Houston Texans' defense showed up throughout the game although allowing over 420 yards from Donovan McNabb's pass game.  However, the fourth quarter defense and heading into overtime showed real prowess and that they were in-the-zone.  With that type of mentality and push, Kubiak couldn't send Rackers out there with the possibility of him missing the kick, as he had before, and leaving the Skins in better position than a punt would in overtime.

2) Rackers Missed 47-Yard FG. Neil Rackers had already missed a 47-yard field goal kick in the second quarter where the wind was raging around.  The 52-yard possible attempt would be against the breeze and five yards longer than the one he missed the half before.

3) Kickers' Go Zone. Before every NFL game the special team coach will watch his team's kicker take snaps from small yardage to long yardage to get an idea of the kickers' go zone, or reasonable yardage that the team's kicker could make on any given kick that Sunday. We aren't aware of Racker's pregame go zone, but Kubiak may have been told that Rackers wasn't successfully hitting from 50+ yards out.

2) Playing Away. – At the Executive Board meeting, my professor told me, if Houston was home they would have kicked the field goal.  Besides being more comfortable at the home field, Rackers wouldn't be going against the loud and raging FedEx Field madhouse crowd.

3) The Washington Air. Last night's weather in our nation's capital was nice 70 degree weather and under 25 % humidity.  If you've ever talked with a professional baseball player, he'd tell you that batting in Colorado or Los Angeles is much more difficult than hitting in Houston.  Why?  Because cooler, thinner air causes the ball to carry less than more humid air.  Additionally, the breeze was going against Rackers' possible attempt, which he felt during the kickoffs.

5) FedEx Grass. FedEx Field isn't Houston or St. Louis.  There is no turf, turf grass, or the sort, but rather Fed Ex is all naturale.  When kicking on grass, the team has to be aware of its suitability for kicking.  Last night, after four quarters and some, the possibility of finding some good grass, not already dug out and kicked up, would be slim to none.  Kubiak made the choice knowing that a bad field could end up with a missed kick.  Ask Gano after already treading the grass he kicked on before re-kicking his field goal on the same yard line.

6) A Win's a Win. The Texans punted the ball, stopped the Redskins offense and re-drove the ball for a Rackers' 35-yard field goal and the win.  What more justification can you have than the "W" in the record books?

Although fans will argue that if Kubiak's decision ended up with the Skins' kicker Gano hitting his 52-yard FG, my article would never be written and Kubiak would also be on Texans owner McNair's dog chain.  However, I would have still begged to differ.  The above stated reasons are enough for any coach to hold back on the kicker and attempt the punt.

And although the punt did not work out and although there were penalties, those were most definitely less foreseeable than Rackers' missing that 52-yard kick and putting the Skins just yards away from the Texans' own territory to win in sudden death.  In my opinion, Kubiak's choice to punt the football was the right move, even more solidified by the "W" and the first 2-0 record in franchise history.  

For Kubiak, he said "I went with my gut" knowing the factors were there. And if that isn't enough for his doubters, how bout that icing on the cake?  Icing Gano with milliseconds before his kick is enough for any doubter to see Kubiak knows what he's doing as head coach of the Houston Texans.

Monday Night Football Line

The Broncos 2nd year WR Kenny McKinley has been found dead in his Denver home. The Denver police department is still conducting information.

"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," President and CEO Pat Bowlen said. "He was part of the Broncos family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels will have a press conference Tueday 12 MDT.

McKinley, a fifth-round draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, played in eight games with the Broncos as a rookie. He returned seven kickoffs for 158 yards along with three punts for 32 yards. He was the only rookie in the league that season to average at least 22 yards on kickoff returns and 10 yards on punt returns.

He was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the 2010 season after suffering a knee injury.

“Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great teammate whose smile and personality could light up the room,” McDaniels said. “This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Coach Tom Cable will announce his week three starting quarterback on Wednesday. When asked if the call was his alone, Cable said, “It has to be.” Cable stressed the fact that quarterback depth is better than it’s been for some time on the Raiders and that regardless of which quarterback is chosen, the other could still be needed down the road.

Bruce Gradkowski looked good in the second half for the Raiders, and seems to have a much better grasp of the west coast offense, which the Raiders run, and it’s the same offense that Jason Campbell has struggled with.

Campbell was 8-for-15 for 87 yards with a pick, while Gradkowski was 11-for-22 for 162 yards with a TD and pick. The Raiders scored 13 points in the second half to go on for the 16-14 win over the Rams.

The news on Dennis Dixon is he will be out at least three weeks after tearing his lateral meniscus cartilage, meaning the Steelers will go with either Charlie Batch or Byron Leftwich on Sunday in Tampa against the surprising 2-0 Buccaneers.

Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon tore his lateral meniscus cartilage, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Dixon, who injured the same knee at Oregon in 2007, will get a second opinion this week, but if the initial diagnosis stands, Dixon will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and miss at least three weeks. By then, Ben Roethlisberger’s four-game suspension will be over and he will return as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The Steelers would not say how much time Dixon will miss. With Dixon out, the Steelers re-signed quarterback Byron Leftwich two days after they released him to create a roster spot for a defensive lineman.