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The NFL may be a 100% injury league, but some injuries are much more devastating and memorable than others. Unfortunately, Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith was the victim of such an injury Sunday at FedExField against the Houston Texans.
Head Coach Jay Gruden told reporters After the match, Smith had to undergo an immediate surgery after a broken tibia and fibula. Despite the terrible injury, Washington is far from having finished this season with the NFC East to win.
While Smith was lying on the floor, the entire audience immediately recalled that Joe Theismann had suffered a similar injury 33 years ago. Even Theismann seemed to be taken aback by the disturbing event.
Theismann's career ended when his leg broke under Lawrence Taylor's body. The moment inspired a movement around the league, a New York bestseller by Michael Lewis and an Oscar-winning film.
But coaches and NFL players are creatures of habit. They must live in the present moment because their career can be ended at any time. Washington still has six games to play.
"Now we find ourselves face to face with Alex, of course." Vernon Davis said, by the Richmond Times-DispatchThat's Michael Phillips. "Alex knows that this is not the end.He will have a lot of opportunities to demonstrate his talent and help this team to win in the future.
Their season is not over because their offensive leader will no longer be behind. It's just a little harder. After the initial shock, it became clear that Washington is still well positioned to win its division.
What seems to be forgotten in the annals of history, Washington wins four victories in his last five games after the injury of Theismann and finishes 10-6 overall with substitute Jay Schroeder in mind. This year's group has the potential to do something similar.
The calendar certainly plays in Washington's favor. None of Washington's last six opponents (including the Philadelphia Eagles twice) have a victorious record. A 19-31 record is counted among the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans and the Eagles.
Even an exhausted list has a chance to fight against such a sweet composition, and Washington's list is exhausted for the moment. This can be considered positive and negative.
Of course, Smith is a steady player, but Washington has hired Colt McCoy in a one – year extra run of up to $ 7 million this summer, becoming one of the league 's best – paid bailers. Money talks in the NFL and the confidence of coaching staff and locker rooms in McCoy to get into this situation and leading this offense is important.
He explained: "You are in good hands with me," said cornerback Josh Norman about McCoy taking the reins of the team. official site. "We are all behind him, ready and ready to go."
Unlike Schroeder, McCoy is not a novice newbie. The 32-year-old signalman has 25 career starts, but none have been beaten in the past three seasons over former quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Mark Tenally / Associated Press
"I firmly believe that Colt McCoy will play football in the National Football League," said Gruden, of The Athletic's. Tarik El-Bashir. "It's an opportunity of his life for him.I know he would like it in different circumstances, but things are going on for a reason.This is an opportunity for Colt, and I think it will benefit. "
The nine-year veteran was ready for the moment and led Washington on his return before falling to Texas 23-21. McCoy came into the third quarter and immediately started a nine-yard touchdown pass to his opponent Jordan Reed in his first pass attempt. Washington took a 21-20 on the next drive. So, McCoy has put his team in a winning position, but she's just on the edge.
"We see Colt every day and see how passionate he is," said Reed of Phillips. "If it's a bad pitch, it's hot [mad], even if he just led the scouting team. He prepares himself as he goes to play every week. He knows the offense as his pocket. He knows where the ball is supposed to go. He can make throws. "
Gruden knows that he entrusts the offense to someone who knows the system and who will tackle everything with a professional attitude.
"We have nothing to change," said Phillips' Gruden. "We will continue to do what we have done, strengthen what we have done right and eliminate what we have not done well."
"I think he has the skills that are perfectly suited to what we do."
McCoy will get help along the way since Washington should be healthier in the coming weeks.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
The team had to overcome the defeat of the two starters, Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao, last week, but the best blocker on the team, left forward Trent Williams, could be back for the Thanksgiving match against Cowboys, according to NFL Network Ian Rappoport. His return could create a ripple effect across the offensive starting line if Gruden decided to put Ty Nsekhe in the guard.
In addition, Jamison Crowder is not expected to be away any longer after suffering an ankle injury in the past six weeks. His addition will give a much deserved boost to wide receiver corps with a full spectrum of goals, which will be a first this season since Trey Quinn has already returned in training.
Washington can continue to rely on Adrian Peterson. Although expanded options in the assists game could potentially pave the way for the offensive even without Smith in training.
Even though the offensive does not carry its full weight, the Gruden team has a strong defense with a physical and sometimes dominant front that ranks among the top 10 in the overall standings in defense of the race. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are strong in the center, while defensemen Ryan Kerrigan remain active and efficient smugglers. Matthew Ioannidis is the joker, a disruptive inner presence capable of collapsing the pocket.
The possible return of Quinton Dunbar later this season after a tibia injury will create a secondary depth. Even without him, the Texans only managed 181 passing yards.
A veteran quarter surrounded by advancing talents and a solid defense generally bodes well for a positive outcome.
At 6-4 overall, Washington has an edge over the rest of the NFC East with the potential to increase their lead within the division despite Smith's discouraging circumstances.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for the whitener report. Follow him on Twitter: @brentsobleski.
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