The Detroit Lions have lost 19 straight games. Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the first overall pick in last year’s NFL draft, is on pace to throw 40 interceptions this season. They are the worst overall defense in the league after two games, allowing an average of 36 points per contest and nearly 400 yards. Yet, I believe they will very nearly end these dismal streaks before succumbing to a last second field goal: Washington Redskins 23, Detroit Lions 21.

How did it come to this?

You have to first look at the offense. And then look at the offense some more. After initially sparring with ‘Skins legend and radio commentator Sonny Jurgensen over his beyond stupid third-and-goal halfback pass call last week, Jim Zorn finally came around earlier this week and said, yes, perhaps running that play on a down when the Rams were expecting a pass was not the brightest idea he’s ever had. Zorn’s playcalling — or his overseeing of the playcalling — has been ridiculously conservative, particularly in the red zone. He adamantly refuses to let Jason Campbell throw the ball near the goal line. Make no mistake, Zorn’s done a bad job in that regard, but it isn’t the entire problem. The rest is on the players, and I’d like to use this opportunity to call a few out by name:

• Santana Moss. No longer one of the league’s top receivers, he is now officially not even the best receiver on this team. His performance hasn’t just been poor, it’s actually been detrimental to the team. A key fumble last week, one real catch of note, and a lack of effort vs. the Giants which got Jason Campbell picked off. If the ‘Skins are going to win today, they’ll need a repeat of his playmaking performance in last year’s win over the Lions when he had two TDs, one an electrifying punt return.
• Devcolm Kellmas. I’m lumping Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas together here. Every week it seems Zorn forces a play specifically designed to get them involved. Reverses, end zone fades, deep balls, goal line looks. Nothing has worked.
• Clinton Portis. Is there any denying he’s lost a step? The man has been a true warrior for the ‘Skins over the years, but has his insistence on getting the ball all the time meant a) he wears down quickly, and b) we don’t utilize the talents of backup Ladell Betts. Either way, a bum ankle may keep him out today.

The defense hasn’t been perfect (particularly the secondary), but they’ve eaten up the run and Chris Horton continues to evolve into a terrific all around football player. Nothing spectacular from special teams, but coverage has been good and Suisham’s hit his chip shots. The biggest positive I take from last week’s game is that when one half of the team played poorly, the other half compensated with big plays in the clutch. I’d take another 9-7 squeaker this time, but how long can we keep this up? You know the Lions have to be looking at this game as their chance. They led the actually-good Minnesota Vikings for a while last week before capitulating, and after 19 straight defeats they get a Washington team low on confidence that barely mustered a win over the just-as-woeful Rams. And they’re at home.

I said last week that, with Jim Zorn’s Redskins, there is but one guarantee: there are no guarantees. You’ll have to excuse me. I forgot one more: the Redskins never win easily. This, friends, will not be easy.

Stat of the Week: Jason Campbell has not had a pass play over 30 yards in his last 343 attempts. Last week alone, there were 29 pass plays over 30 yards in the NFL.