My Journal Entry January 14 2000

The Redskins are in the divisional round of the playoffs. First time since 92'. It's been seven long years. They play Tampa, which has an amazing defense. (Sapp, Lynch, Brooks, Nickerson)...to mention a few. And a beast for a fullback. (Alstott). I follow football fervently and know most of the players in the league thanks to Maddens. I'm going to predict the outcome of this game. The Skins are my team but they probably won't win. Alstott and Dunn will run at will, and keep our #2 offense off the field. Their #3 defense will take advantage of our O-line since our LT and C are really banged up. Plus, the games in Tampa, disrupting any audibles.

Redskins chances to win lie in a couple of areas. We have to take advantage of Gruber's absence and pressure their rookie QB. Hopefully if we get turnovers and jump ahead early, Tampa's average passing attack will prevent them from catching up. So that's really the key. Jump ahead early and we've got a shot. Plus it helps take the crowd out of the game. I'd also throw in the surprise of playing our rookie Champ Bailey on kick off or punt returns. Just to mix things up.

Sounds eerily similar to what I feel we need to do today against the Bucs. Gulp.