The Meriweather Effect

For the first half of the Redskins-Eagles game Sunday, plus a few snaps, the Redskins had a stalwart FS in Brandon Meriweather.  During that first have, he amassed 7 or so tackles, at least 1 of them for a loss, and an interception.  His noise for the football kept him close on many plays.  His ground-shaking hits sent opponents hobbling and stumbling to the sidelines.  Our front 7 could blitz more...the corners covered better.  Redskins squashed the run.  The Redskins defense seemed complete...then, he went down.  Just snaps into the 3rd quarter, Meriweather went down with a knee issue.  Later, he was up, running on the sidelines, trying to get back into the game.  He was hungry...he had tasted how successful he could be in our defense and wanted more.  Turned out, though, he had torn a ligament in his knee...so there was no chance of returning to the game.  Gomes came into the game in relief....but then another great thing seemed evident - the defense didn't loose a beat.  Somehow, either scheme or things just coming together, the defense was playing just as well.  Some may say it had nothing to do with Meriweathers playtime and practice, but I believe it was a direct result of him getting on the field.  His practice in recent weeks and play on the field, I feel, positively affected how his team-mates in that secondary played.  Our secondary, for perhaps the first time, played with confidence, from both players and coaching staff, and the play-calling and performance was evidence of just that.  The entire secondary, including M. Williams, D Hall, C. Griffin, J. Wilson, and D.Gomes, all seemed much improved.  We will see if the "Meriweather Effect" sticks around...if so, boy, we are in for some great football games.

Hail to the Redskins!