Gmanc711
01-10-2006, 03:23 PM
Former NFL great Tony McGee sat down with TheWarpath.net front office Monday afternoon and answered some TheWarpath.net questions about the Redskins 17-10 playoff win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Please be sure to visit http://www.tonymcgeeplus.com and watch Tony McGee's Pro Football Plus Saturdays at 11:30 am on Comcast SportsNet and DirecTV to see Tony and his panel of guests answer "TheWarpath.net Question of the Week". This week's question is "Will LaVar Arrington be a Washington Redskin next season??” Ok, let's get started with Tony's thoughts here:
The Redskins had a great defensive game, obviously vs. Tampa Bay. I think that the number one defense in the league was outplayed by the true number one defense in the league, and that was the difference in the game. The Redskins finally are putting their playmakers, LaVar Arrington, Marcus Washington and Sean Taylor to be specific, in position to make plays, and they are making the plays. Offensively, the Redskins didn’t play well. Clinton Portis appeared hurt after he had that block in the fist quarter, and the offense never really was the same down the stretch. I think Mark Brunell is still hurting from that shot he took against the Giants a few weeks ago, and he needs to improve on his game. In addition, maybe Tampa Bay’s defense really is as good as they appeared to play. Both teams looked at film from the previous games, and came prepared defensively to win. The Redskins just made more plays and took advantage of Tampa Bay mistakes and came out winners.
Skinsguy, the Buc’s appeared more prepared for what the Redskins were throwing at them, and I think that’s why it appeared that Coach Gibbs was sitting on the lead. Offensively, it was just a bad day against a good defense, and I don’t think you can look at it as much more than that. TheMalcolmConnection, I think losing Wynn is a big factor in this defense, although everyone else appears primed and ready to continue going on. I don’t think that the Redskins, however, can ride this defense to a Super Bowl Championship. They are going to need more production out of their offense eventually if they are to beat teams that are only going to get better.
Turing the attention to Seattle, you have the MVP of the league in Shaun Alexander, he has to be the vocal point defensively. In this game, I think you have to contain Alexander, and not let his runs set up openings in the pass. Diehardskinsfan, I still think Shaun Alexander will rush for some good number in this game and probably surpass 100 yards, but if the Redskins can make it a “contained” 100 yards, I think they will be ok. They need to continue to put pressure on the quarterback; otherwise Matt Hasslebeck will get some very good numbers against the Redskins. One thing that must be in Seahawks heads is the fact that they have not won a playoff game, at home since 1984. They lost just as early as last season to a 8-8 St. Louis Rams team. That being said, I think Seattle playing at home at Qwest field is an advantage, but the Redskins have been traveling already and they can win on the road.
TAFKAS, I don’t think teams prepare any different for a playoff game than they do a regular season game. Coach Gibbs is especially good at making sure everyone stays as focused during the regular season as they do for the playoffs. Sure, the atmosphere may be a little more excited, or nervous, but preparations are normally the same.
Finally, MattyK72, if the Redskins can pressure Matt Hasselbeck, “contain” Shaun Alexander and get a better offensive performance, they can definitely upset the Seattle Seahawks.
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Tony McGee's NFL career started in 1971 where he was a starting defensive end for the Chicago Bears. In 1974, Tony began a 7-year stint with the New England Patriots and earned the nickname, "Mac the Sack." His unique ability to swarm opposing quarterbacks helped coin the phrase, "designated pass rusher." Tony's career as a Washington Redskin began in 1982, and included a Super Bowl championship. Tony ended his spectacular career in 1985 with 106 career sacks and played in over 200 games -- a feat achieved only by a select group of NFL defensive linemen.
For more information visit http://www.tonymcgeeplus.com
The Redskins had a great defensive game, obviously vs. Tampa Bay. I think that the number one defense in the league was outplayed by the true number one defense in the league, and that was the difference in the game. The Redskins finally are putting their playmakers, LaVar Arrington, Marcus Washington and Sean Taylor to be specific, in position to make plays, and they are making the plays. Offensively, the Redskins didn’t play well. Clinton Portis appeared hurt after he had that block in the fist quarter, and the offense never really was the same down the stretch. I think Mark Brunell is still hurting from that shot he took against the Giants a few weeks ago, and he needs to improve on his game. In addition, maybe Tampa Bay’s defense really is as good as they appeared to play. Both teams looked at film from the previous games, and came prepared defensively to win. The Redskins just made more plays and took advantage of Tampa Bay mistakes and came out winners.
Skinsguy, the Buc’s appeared more prepared for what the Redskins were throwing at them, and I think that’s why it appeared that Coach Gibbs was sitting on the lead. Offensively, it was just a bad day against a good defense, and I don’t think you can look at it as much more than that. TheMalcolmConnection, I think losing Wynn is a big factor in this defense, although everyone else appears primed and ready to continue going on. I don’t think that the Redskins, however, can ride this defense to a Super Bowl Championship. They are going to need more production out of their offense eventually if they are to beat teams that are only going to get better.
Turing the attention to Seattle, you have the MVP of the league in Shaun Alexander, he has to be the vocal point defensively. In this game, I think you have to contain Alexander, and not let his runs set up openings in the pass. Diehardskinsfan, I still think Shaun Alexander will rush for some good number in this game and probably surpass 100 yards, but if the Redskins can make it a “contained” 100 yards, I think they will be ok. They need to continue to put pressure on the quarterback; otherwise Matt Hasslebeck will get some very good numbers against the Redskins. One thing that must be in Seahawks heads is the fact that they have not won a playoff game, at home since 1984. They lost just as early as last season to a 8-8 St. Louis Rams team. That being said, I think Seattle playing at home at Qwest field is an advantage, but the Redskins have been traveling already and they can win on the road.
TAFKAS, I don’t think teams prepare any different for a playoff game than they do a regular season game. Coach Gibbs is especially good at making sure everyone stays as focused during the regular season as they do for the playoffs. Sure, the atmosphere may be a little more excited, or nervous, but preparations are normally the same.
Finally, MattyK72, if the Redskins can pressure Matt Hasselbeck, “contain” Shaun Alexander and get a better offensive performance, they can definitely upset the Seattle Seahawks.
##################################################
Tony McGee's NFL career started in 1971 where he was a starting defensive end for the Chicago Bears. In 1974, Tony began a 7-year stint with the New England Patriots and earned the nickname, "Mac the Sack." His unique ability to swarm opposing quarterbacks helped coin the phrase, "designated pass rusher." Tony's career as a Washington Redskin began in 1982, and included a Super Bowl championship. Tony ended his spectacular career in 1985 with 106 career sacks and played in over 200 games -- a feat achieved only by a select group of NFL defensive linemen.
For more information visit http://www.tonymcgeeplus.com