Well Coached Teams Find a Way to Win

Anthony Armstrong.  Brandon Banks.  Ryan Torain

Many people may not know who these players are, and for good reason.  They are either brand new to the NFL or have never done anything worth mentioning.  But yesterday, these three men lead the way at FedExField to an upset over the Green Bay Packers.

It was Ryan Torain who paved the open holes with his bruising runs.  It was Brandon Banks establishing himself as a legitimate threat on punt returns, continuously giving the Redskins great field position.  And it was Anthony Armstrong's spectacular grabs that put Washington in a position to win the game.

Shanahan has proven through five games that you do not need an all-star cast in the NFL to win games.  The 'Skins were the more disciplined team, committing only four penalties to the Packers nine.  Washington won the turnover battle.  The defense's 'bend but don't break' mentality is a testament to defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.

When Brandon Jackson took off on a long run, defenders didn't give up on the play, and it saved a touchdown.  With a third and goal from inches away, the 'Skins defense stuffed a quarterback sneak, and were not fooled when the Packers tried a pass on fourth down.  They didn't give up the big scoring plays, and when they needed a turnover, that's exactly what they got.

The results speak for themselves.  In five weeks the Redskins have beaten Dallas, Philadelphia and Green Bay.  They have held those teams to seven, twelve, and thirteen points respectively.  That is the sign of a well coached team.

The Redskins will be tested again this week by Peyton Manning and the Colts.  But the game is at home and on Sunday night, so you have to feel good about the chances to win.  A win here could allow us to legitimately start thinking playoffs.  And I'll take this Shanahan coached team against anyone right now.

As for Dallas fans: I hope your necks aren't too strained looking up the standings at the first place Washington Redskins.