Early trend
Saints quarterback Drew Brees struggled to hit passes downfield. His longest pass in the first quarter was 14 yards. The cover 2 zone was working. But that changed late in the second half. Brees threw for 195 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime.
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Under the radar
Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth re-injured his sprained ankle late in the fourth quarter. He returned for one play: the 53-yard game-tying pass. Brees had time in part because Haynesworth could not get any push off his ankle.
Did you notice …
Washington did a good job putting wide receiver Devin Thomas in motion and sending him on crossing routes. His first touchdown catch came after he started in motion left, then paused and ran back to the right. He easily ran away from the defenders.
From the sidelines
With replay challenges handled by officials in overtime, Saints coach Sean Payton took a timeout following a possible Mike Sellers fumble and New Orleans recovery. Officials took another look, overturned the call and the Saints drove downfield.
Jim Zorn’s offensive game plan was superb, as was the play-calling. The Redskins gained 455 yards, tying their best mark under Zorn (set vs. New Orleans in 2008). They used more motion to confuse a back seven weakened by injuries.
