Washington Grabs Last NFC Playoff Spot, Todd Collins Leads ‘Skins Over Cowboys

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I’m shocked at what the Washington Redskins have accomplished. It took the ‘Skins one game after the death of teammate Sean Taylor to refocus and rededicate their 2007 season to his memory. The result has been four straight wins and an unlikely NFC Wild Card playoff berth after thumping arch rival Dallas 27-6 yesterday. Nobody would’ve blamed this team if they had packed it in and sulked through December losses to end their season. But what it boiled down to was needing a win or a Minnesota loss to secure the NFC’s final playoff spot. And both scenarios played out in their favor yesterday.

Looking back, after Sean’s death on November 27, the Redskins were understandably shaken in a 17-16 home loss to the Buffalo Bills. But since that game and Sean’s funeral the next day, they have been a team on a mission. I don’t think anybody outside of the Redskins’ locker room expected the ‘Skins to be where they are today — preparing to travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs. Especially when you consider they are winning these games without their starting quarterback, Jason Campbell. Enter veteran Todd Collins, a guy who hadn’t attempted a pass of any sort in three years. And he hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass in five years. Four games later he’s got a 106.4 QB rating.

It would have behooved the slumping Cowboys to dispose of Washington when they had the chance. Because if there is one team Dallas does not want to see in the playoffs, it’s these Washington Redskins. And if the ‘Skins get past Seattle on Wild Card Weekend, that’s exactly what will happen. Even on the road, I believe, advantage Washington — the hottest team in the NFC.