#@$% You, Dick Stockton: Vikings 17, Redskins 13

The casual fan will remember the fact that Brandon Banks scored the go ahead touchdown on a punt return in the 4th quarter, which was nullified by Perry Riley pushing a Viking in the back--completely needlessly.

But the Redskins lost today because they don't have enough talent. Santana Moss is still a good player, but he can't be the #1 guy. His two drops cost at least three points.

The offensive line is still crap. Its better than it was last season--Shanahan did a decent job putting together a functional offensive line, but they still stink. The o-line needs to get younger, bigger, better at every position except left tackle.

Running back was a small problem for a little while, but now it is a major problem. Clinton Portis is probably done as a starter in Washington at the very least. We don't know what we have in Torain really, and Keiland Williams appears to be a decent option in spot duty. The Redskins needs a real killer at running back. Someone with fresh legs, power, and explosive speed. Against the Vikings, Williams and a guy off the street picked up a total 30 yards.

But I'll remember this game for the--dare I say it--Dick tease.

It was 17-13. We had no offense momentum. Brandon Banks catches the punt, makes a move around a guy, finds a seem, and is gone.

Me: Oh! oh, oh shit. Its coming back, right?

Joey: ?

(Banks continues to run, crowd is cheering)

Me: Did they not throw a flag!?

Joey: ?

Dick Stockton: Touchdown Redskins! There are no flags.

Me: (Jumping and celebrating, but only 95%, because I can't believe they didn't throw a flag on Perry Riley for blocking in the back. I supposed the refs had just missed it like the refs missed it the previous week when the Titans scored on a punt return)

Dick Stockton: There is a flag down. Remember when I said there weren't any flags down? Well, forget that because there is a flag down. But just one flag so try not to get too mad (he didn't really say this verbatim)

Me: I'll ^%$%ing kill you, Dick Stockton!!!!

Favre iced the game and then we lost. We are 5-6. In November, the teams in the middle of the pack decide who goes forward and who stays behind. The Redskins stink in November.

Its silly to be counting on a Redskins run like 2005 or 2007. But why not play along--November rooting against other NFC teams only comes along but once a year.

After the San Diego game in November 2005, we were 5-6. Minnesota was 6-5. Dallas and Atlanta were 7-4. We leapfrogged 'em all for #6

Today: 5. New Orleans 8-3

6. Green Bay, New York Giants/Philadelphia, Tampa Bay Bucs 7-4

Washington 5-6