Honk if You’re Zorny: Redskins Live Dangerously, Get Win Over Lions

Written by DCist contributor Rob Birgfeld

The world was sure the 5-2 Redskins would walk all over the 0-6 Detroit Lions. Redskins’ fans, however, knew that there would be more to Sunday’s contest. When the inactives were announced, two unexpected additions—starting left tackle Chris Samuels and starting strong safety Chris Horton—gave Skins fans even more reason to worry.

The first half was unspectacular. The Redskins moved the ball well, amassing 250 yards on offense versus 95 for the Lions but repeatedly stalled themselves with penalties. Finding themselves down four to the toothless Lions at the half, the Redskins needed to show some spark—and finish drives in the end zone.

They did just that. Jason Campbell looked deep to Santana Moss in the third quarter and found him for a 50 yard score—putting the Redskins up for the first time since early in the first quarter. Moss, the clear difference in Sunday’s win in Detroit, showed his versatility again in the fourth quarter. In only his second punt return of the year, Santana Moss caught the ball and nearly went down after running into his teammate. After regaining his footing, Moss then broke three tackles en route to an impressive, highlight-worthy 80-yard punt return for a touchdown. Have a seat, Antwaan.

One relatively overlooked play that proved critical was a fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter. Up by just five with 2:11 remaining, the Redskins were in field goal range and facing a third down. Stephon Heyer (nicknamed by teammates “Wookie” or “Chewey”) played matador, providing the Lion’s defensive end Dewayne White with a clear shot on Jason Campbell. Campbell fumbled, and the ball squirted through linemen’s hands like a greasy scallop. Ultimately, Jon Jansen alertly dove on the ball, securing the possession. The result: a fourth and game-clinching Shaun Suisham field goal.

AP Photo/Paul Sancya