After the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals slogged their way through a first half that made an outright joke of the notion of professional athletics, Washington got even and then got over by a 17-13 score in a game that kept their razor thin playoff hopes alive.

The first half was largely given over to a surreal orgy of turnovers, mutually engaged in by both squads. Mark Brunell offered up a trio of interceptions on his way to his lowest passer rating of the season. For their part, the Cards returned favor with an interception and a fumble from Kurt Warner, as well as a pair of fumbles from their running back tandem of Marcel Shipp and J.J. Arrington. The wretched display was only further enhanced by each team’s inability to capitalize on the bevy of opportunities they were handed – the seven first-half turnovers only netted each team a figgie each. The word is: traveshamockery.

After going down 10-3 at halftime, the Redskins took to their work during the second half with renewed vigor and some critical adjustments in hand. With the passing game still snake-bit from the lack of a viable alternative at wideout to lessen Santana Moss’ coverage, Washington opened the second half with a thirteen play drive that largely featured Clinton Portis bruising and banging his way upfield. A favorable penalty put the offense in striking distance of the endzone, and Portis ducked himself behind a fearlessly onrushing Mike Sellers to break the plane.