COmpare/Contrast the 2005 team with the 2007 team

On offense, the 2005 team was totally dependent on Portis and the O-line after Brunell hurt his knee against the Giants. This year's team is much more balanced offensively and Collins is playing efficient, mistake free football while keeping the chains moving. Perhaps the biggest difference is Saunders having complete faith in Collins, whereas Gibbs in 2005 coached the offense conservatively in the post-season to hide an injured Mark Brunell.

On defense, the 2005 team went on a sack and turnover binge down the stretch, consistently giving the offense short fields to work with. Sean Taylor in particular was amazing during the late season run to the post-season. This year's team hasn't forced as many turnovers, but they have shut down opposing RB's and forced a ton of 3rd and long situations. This team has had to overcome more injuries. I believe that the biggest difference is the play at MLB. While Lemar Marshall was adequate, London Fletcher is lights out.

On special teams, I believe that Suisham is a more reliable kicker than John Hall was back in 2005. I also believe that the 2007 kick coverage units have been the best since Gibbs returned.

I would argue that qb play was better this year overall. If you recall, Brunell had some great games early, but was WOEFULL by the end of the season. Collins is on a roll that we haven't seen in Washington in a LONG time. Regardless, the biggest difference is the '07 team is entering the post season firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. That '05 team couldn't find the endzone with a map and seeing-eye-dog. Add in the emotional wave they are riding surrounding ST, I'd be much more afraid of this '07 team if I had to face us in the playoffs.

This is clearly not the same team that started the first 10 games of the season. If I were Mike Holmgren, I would be s(*^ting my pants having to face us right now. Wade Philips has to be afraid as well given his starting O-line couldn't produce more than 1 rushing yard, and all receivers not named Owens got manhandled today.

overall it hink the qb play was better in 05, however down the stretch this years qb play has been better. brunell went into the playoffs injured that year and that really hurt us. throughout the season this year we turned the ball over a lot while jason was in there. this season we are better suited for the playoffs, like i said more weapons, healthier on offense aside from the o-line, etc. i feel a lot more comfortable with this team than the 05 team

In '05 the offense stumbled at the end of the season and finally ran out of gas in the playoffs.

This year the offense is clicking as we enter the playoffs, I think we're a deeper and more talented team this time around, even with the injuries.

I think Soup nailed it, pretty much. This year's defense isn't producing spectacular, game-breaking plays, like the '05 unit did. It's a "bend but don't break" defense that is much more balanced.

Our offense in '05 was pretty much one-dimensional and we really depended on the defense to win games for us by the time we made our playoff run, whereas right now our offense is actually able to move the chains.

The biggest difference has to be in momentum, though. We were definitely tired and running out of gas in '05, seemed like we were jogging through the finish line instead of sprinting because we just didn't have the gas. This season we're peaking right at the end of the season on both sides of the ball.

This year we have been hit hard with injuries (and one unbelievable tragedy) this season to be sure, but we are also getting outstanding play from young guys and unheralded FA's which we weren't getting as much of in '05. Maybe it's just that the injuries happened early enough to allow the new guys time to grow into their new roles.

This is a great thread, but I would like to highlight some similarities. This could be fun if we can tap into our brain trust here at Warpath. I'll start it with a few:
-This team went on an incredible winning streak to end the season to make the playoffs.
-Against the bears we lost our starting QB only to find salvation in our back-up.

This is a great thread, but I would like to highlight some similarities. This could be fun if we can tap into our brain trust here at Warpath. I'll start it with a few:
-This team went on an incredible winning streak to end the season to make the playoffs.
-Against the bears we lost our starting QB only to find salvation in our back-up.

Oh man!Awesome observation. That's what I was looking for. How about this. In 2005, Sean Taylor scores a TD in Week 17 and caps it off with a little roll into the endzone. In 2007, Clinton Portis scores a TD in Week 17 and caps it off with a little roll ala Sean Taylor style.

-We play the seahawks away in the playoffs (hopefully with A different outcome this go around).

A similarity with all of Gibbs good/great footballs teams...they play lights out in December, peaking at the right time. For all of the criticism he has taken, some of it earned Joe Gibbs knows how to win in December/January and always has.

I like our chances in Seattle because we're playing amazing defense, taking care of the football, running hard and making big plays in the passing game. That has always been Joe Gibbs recipe for success especially late in the season.

No question the difference is the QB play. Brunell was simply terrible the last 5 games of 05 and Collins is playing like a top NFL qb. I still can't believe we won a playoff game in TB with 40 yards passing.