1. It’s easy to see why Vonnie Holliday has lasted so long in the NFL » Though he’s best suited for a backup role at this stage of his career, just to keep fresh over 16 games if nothing else, he can still play. Holliday is adept at setting up blitzes for teammates the way he slants his rush and occupies blockers. But Sunday, he also excelled at staying low on almost every snap he played and using leverage to shuck blockers and make tackles. It happened several times, and his ability to win one-on-one battles made a huge difference at right end.
2. Redskins players are more interested in winning than draft position » Yes, winning drops them lower in the draft, but picking high doesn’t guarantee success. Otherwise, the Browns and Lions would be perennial Super Bowl contenders. The key isn’t drafting high; it’s drafting smart. Just look at the New England Patriots. There’s no doubt the Redskins could use a high pick, but they also needed wins. Had they gone from four wins under Jim Zorn to five under Mike Shanahan, it would have led to serious questions.
3. The offensive scheme really does work » It’s amazing how many times receivers such as Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley get open, especially compared to the previous couple seasons. For Moss, it helps that they put him in the slot and move him around, giving him a chance to use his quickness and route-running ability to get open. But the design of the plays helps, too. On Moss’ 38-yarder, there was confusion in the secondary partly because Anthony Armstrong’s presence occupied the safety, allowing Moss to get free.
4. The 3-4 is a good defense when the line plays as it did Sunday » Heck, any defense would be good in that situation. The line excelled at creating traffic in the middle, by getting penetration or occupying blockers, enabling the inside linebackers often to run clean to the ball. And the outside linebackers were able to pinch any holes on the edge. It was a good example of team defense. Yes, it would have made a difference had Maurice Jones-Drew played, but there weren’t many holes available for anyone.
