Up until two weeks ago the Redskins' season could be characterized by one word: harrowing. Games fell into a predictable yet gut-churning pattern: a first half filled with aggressive offense and defense producing a sizable cushion followed by a second half offensive and defensive "rope-a-dope" that would steadily fritter away the lead. Many critics claimed that Gibbs had lost his competitive edge, had been too gentled by time and absence from the game, or had just completely lost touch with his objective - winning. His reliance on second half ball control and prevent defense had turned his football warriors into football calculators, trying to figure a winning formula with the least amount of aggression. It seemed that being a good sport had taken the place of being a winner. The Patriots game accentuated the difference in a brutal, excruciating fashion. However, Sunday against the Vikings a ray of sunshine filtered through the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome roof. The Redskins did something that they have rarely done this season: score second half points. Not a lot of them. But enough to hold the Vikings' second half charge at bay and ensure a Redskins victory. The most memorable being Clinton Portis's touchdown scamper from 13 yards out with 5 minutes remaining that put the game out of reach. The body language of the Viking defenders spoke volumes as they flailed their arms and slumped their shoulders while Portis danced the Frug in the end zone. Now the Redskins sit at 8-7 with a 3 game winning streak leading into a season-defining game against their most hated rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. With their post-season fate hanging in the balance, the Redskins are in good health and breathing fire against a Cowboy team with nothing to prove and personnel to protect. So, how did the Redskins get here? After trudging their way through most of the season in forgettable fashion suddenly they are quick-stepping their way towards post-season play. In Week 14 the Redskins ranked 26th in rushing the ball. Now, in Week 16, they rank 21st; a 20% improvement in just two weeks. As for passing, they rose from 15th in Week 13 to 13th in Week 16 (including the Giants game's weather related lousy passing situation). Obviously good things are happening on offense. The question is why? How? A lot of the good that is happening is coming from the quarterback position. Todd Collins' performance as a starter has been key in the Redskins attack. His excellent grasp of Saunders' system is obvious and his ability to read defenses and put the ball where it needs to go precise. The difference in offensive production and scoring is tangible and has produced wins. But this raises some questions. Has Saunders' play selection been different for Collins as opposed to Campbell? Or is Collins' ability to read and react to defenses such that he sees plays that Campbell hasn't been able to recognize yet? And how will Collins' productivity affect Campbell's career path and development? But the passing attack isn't the only thing that has changed; there is also the running game. Against three of the top tier run defenses, the Redskins have been able to generate a significant ground game. In particular, they have begun balancing their run defense across the line and not relying almost exclusively on the left side. Once again, questions are raised. Has Saunders recognized his own patterns and is working against them to fool defenses? Or, has the presence of Stephon Heyer at right tackle up-graded the line's performance and allowed Saunders to balance the run attack? And finally, has Todd Collins passing caused defenses to back off and give the pass more consideration, thus opening the door for the running game? With the improvement on offense it is easy to overlook the defense. But that would be like putting on a shirt and figuring you don't have to fret the pants before you go out. The defense is still playing too conservatively in the second half and allowing teams to creep back into contention. In today's game, offenses from even the weakest teams in the league can light up a defense like a pinball machine when given time and opportunity. Gregg Williams can't afford to sit back, play duck-and-cover and hope the clock runs out before the points. The season is down to the wire. Joe Gibbs has to take a page out of his NASCAR experience and tell Williams, "Keep the pedal to the metal from start to finish, Gregg". If Williams and Saunders both keep the pressure on from beginning to end, then the Redskins stand an excellent chance at post-season play. In these past three games, Saunders is showing signs of life in the second half. It's Williams turn to step up now. It's time for Redskins football - all the way. It's time for some redemption. It's time now, before time runs out. Down to the wire. Here we go. Get on the bandwagon and let's scalp us some Cowboys, baby! Wooooo Hooooooo!!!