(The Giants) completely dominated us the first go-around. We have a lot at stake and I know the Giants do, too. I think it's a big deal that you play the 15th game of the year and it's for something important. ... I get uptight because you worry about having to play the Giants. I don't like doing that, but we got a lot riding on it and I know New York does too. |
[Bowen stayed at a local hospital for a second straight night for observation. But the team's worst fears -- internal bleeding -- were alleviated after an MRI exam came out negative.] He's very sore, ... so they're going to be cautious about it. |
[Coach Joe Gibbs didn't share the quarterback's critical self-assessment.] He's playing very, very good, ... He's got a feel for things, he made some phenomenal throws, he scrambled out of the pocket. There's no one else I'd want out there playing for us. I'll say this. I haven't seen anyone play any better with the ball in his hands. He's finding people all over the place. It's pretty powerful stuff. |
[Coach Joe Gibbs said he believes the Redskins have ample playmakers among the wide receivers, although Taylor Jacobs and James Thrash have been silent as well.] I think we've got other people. You're right. If it's just Santana, then we've got a problem because people can take one guy away, ... But I think we've got other receivers there, and hopefully they'll step up and do their part now. |
[Coach Joe Gibbs said he spoke at length with owner Daniel Snyder on the phone Sunday night, and informed the players today of the owner's support.] He thinks the world of our team, ... He thinks we've got heart and fight, and I think that's what we've got. We just need to find a way to close games and win football games. |
[Free-agent defensive end Courtney Brown took a physical, which was expected to determine whether Washington would offer him a contract.] We're [still] interested, ... I don't think there's anything imminent. |
[Gibbs said that Ramsey did not concur with the decision.] This is something Patrick doesn't agree with. He's a very competitive guy, ... I understand that. But it's something we're going to have to work through. |
[If the Redskins have clearly defined one thing about themselves, it's that they are indeed tough. This is a team that, if nothing else, is bitterly difficult to beat. In that respect, their 3-1 record is undeniably well earned.] We have a lot of fighters, ... It was a very hard-fought game. That's the best I can make of it -- and we came out on the short end. |
[Joe Gibbs, the Redskins' coach and president, said last week that not re-signing Pierce was a mistake.] I learned a lesson from it, ... And I don't intend to repeat it in the future. So, I would say that Antonio has our respect, certainly. |
[Nonetheless, the Redskins will focus on acquiring players through free agency because of the uncertainty of the draft, to be held in late April.] We would like to solve everything that we could on our football team in free agency, ... That way you go into the draft and you're freewheeling. |
[Patten also is a valuable resource for players and coaches alike. Gibbs, a Hall of Fame coach with three Super Bowl wins, routinely asks him about how the Patriots -- winners of three of the last four Super Bowls -- operate, with questions about practice drills, training camp or anything else that comes up.] He's very good about that, ... He's very sharp. |
[Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs expressed displeasure with the early bye when the schedule was released.] I think it's a tough deal, ... My preference would have been [to have the bye] maybe later, but, hey, it might also work out great for us. |
[Safety Sean Taylor will continue to be featured in the Redskins' goal line formations as a receiver, Gibbs said.] He has great hands, ... I think he definitely could play receiver. We're trying to get him in a few situations where he can maybe make a play for us. |
[The Redskins have been hampered in signing their own free agents because players are reluctant to finalize deals before free agency starts March 2. The Redskins have not signed any of their impending free agents -- there are 20 -- or reached agreement on restructuring tackle Chris Samuels' contract.] The problem with signing our guys right now, almost none of the agents want to sign right now, ... They are afraid now if they go out and do a deal, they are going to get criticized for it. |
A couple of times we make a mistake by being so aggressive, ... We come up and we probably had a chance to get the guy down, but we try to explode on him and miss a tackle. |