From DCist contributor Rebecca Walters:
As Washington fans got their first official taste of the area’s “Return of the King,” little did they think one of their stars would be sidelined before the season even got off the ground. The 20-17 Redskins pre-season win over the Broncos was bittersweet as veteran Jon Jansen went down with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

What this means for Washington’s 2004 hopes and dreams? Well, DCist can still see a golden light shining over the city. Not only is there all of the original pre-season hoopla that hasn’t diminished since last night, we saw a strong debut from rookie safety Sean Taylor’s strong debut right when the Redskins’ fans, and team, needed a little pick me up. The fact is, Gibbs is still DC’s revered head coach backed by a skilled coaching staff and team burgeoning with talent. Jansen’s season-ender surely readjusted the plans, but with more than 11 new starters, including top running back Clinton Portis and newly-acquired quarterback Mark Brunell, to offer returning players new blood and skills to draw upon, a potential hot mix is here.

Last night’s performance wasn’t without its sloppy pre-season, flaw-filled glory, with some hopes quickly dashed and some new glimmers of inspiration appearing on the horizon. Let’s just hope the ‘Skins find their new sans-Jansen offensive foothold sooner, rather than later. Not that the city will be giving up on their bronzed football king and the army he has assembled very easily. As DCist knows, Redskin’s fans take the glory with the grind.