Bits of Zorn: Redskins Dump Browns
Written by DCist contributor Rob Birgfeld
If you don’t consider yourself a “die hard” fan of the 'Skins, or simply have a peripheral interest in the team, you’re more than excused for falling asleep during the first half of Sunday’s game against the Browns. In summary, the first half went like this: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, missed field goal. Riveting stuff.
In the second half, however, both teams appeared to wake up—showing signs of life on the offensive side of the ball. Behind a dominating offensive line, the Redskins moved the ball well enough to seal the game 14-11, and escape with a much needed win.
Despite his late-game fumble, Clinton Portis once again proved that his pockets are, in fact, straight -- rushing for 175 yards and the game’s first touchdown. The reenergized Portis continues to put up big numbers and is on pace for 1,870 yards. With seven touchdowns and a league-leading eight runs of over 20 yards, CP is clearly one of the early frontrunners for the league MVP. (The last Redskins to win league MVP? Joe Theisman, 1983.) Jason Campbell had an above-par performance, going another week without an interception and connecting with Santana Moss on what turned out to be the decisive score of the game.
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
While the first half was a snoozer, it did provide Redskins fans with a ray of light in the punting game. New punter Ryan Plackemeier, a portrait of athleticism, proved to be a fantastic upgrade in one week’s time. When Browns QB Derek Anderson wasn’t overthrowing to running backs two yards from him, the Redskins defense looked stout. London Fletcher, Chris Horton and Carlos Rogers delivered big hits and made some impressive stops against a team who moved the ball well a week ago against the New York Giants.
In other good news for the Redskins: The Rams, who appeared to be the laughing stock of the NFL two weeks ago, dominated Dallas from whistle to whistle. With or without Tony Romo, the Cowboys appear to be all bacon, no scallops, and spiraling downward with a disappointing 4-3 record.
So the Redskins are now 5-2, and looking forward to next week’s game with another winless (and consequently very threatening) opponent, the Detroit Lions. After last week’s meltdown against the Rams and this week’s close-call, the Skins have little to no reason to be overconfident. They do, however, have a solid defense, a punishing offensive line and running back and a pudgy new punter. Today, there’s plenty to smile about at Redskins Park.