Game Girl

Despite the fact that this Redskin team seems intent on making my game-day experience so tense I'm nearly lightheaded at the end of every game, this one was well worth the pain. WHAT an inspired win, by a totally fired-up team. And against the hated Eagles, too. As my old Magic-8 ball used to say, "all signs point to yes"!

YES, this team is on the right track. YES, we made a good decision trading two draft picks for Donovan McNabb, even though he didn't exactly light it up today. YES, this is a team that wants to win. That is starting to play hard. That cares. YES, YES, and YES!

After that egg they laid last week, I confess to being a bit of a doubting Thomas about their chances against the Eagles today, but they defintely put my fears to rest. Those players rallied around Donovan McNabb and fought hard to be sure he left Philly with a win, and for that, I commend them.

Apparently, Shanahan got the players humming this week by asking them, "Anyone ever been fired?" To which most, if not all, of the players in that locker room dredged up their own past anguish and agonies over being cut from who-knows-what team, and made it their personal quest to ensure Donovan could walk out of the Vet tonight with his head held high and the Philly fans longing for his return. Who doesn't relish the idea of sticking it to their old boss (or ex-husband or old girlfriend or whomever has wronged us in the past) by showing them what they are missing? I'll take it, especially since it culminated in a much-needed road victory against a hated division rival!

So, the Skins are 2-2 after the first four games of the season, and are in first place (!!) in the NFC East. Not bad. We're making strides.

As always, there is room for improvement. I won't pick apart the play of the team, especially after such a sweet victory, except to say that Carlos Rogers has GOT to catch one of those interceptions someday or I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. JUST CATCH THE DAMN BALL! Can you imagine how much pain and suffering he might have prevented so many of us fans over the past five years if he would just do that one simple thing? And he wanted a pay-raise this year? Seriously, man. Get a grip.

But I digress. Let's leave all of the nit-picking for another day. Today is for celebrating. For savoring. For sticking it to some poor, grumbling Eagles fan.

FLY, EAGLES, FLY...away!