It’s all about the Riggo Drill.
Washington outlasted Seattle 20-17 Sunday to remain alive in the NFC East heading into this Sunday’s game against the New York Giants at FedEx. More importantly, Washington (7-4) remained tied with Dallas and Atlanta for the final wild card spot with five games remaining.
It’s smashmouth time in the NFC and Washington is running the ball regularly. Pretty passing is nice in September, but beating New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore over the final weeks depends on running successfully.
Redskins coach Jim Zorn learned the ground game’s importance in his Emerald City homecoming. Clinton Portis gained 143 yards on 29 carries as Washington ran 41 times for 187 yards. Quarterback Jason Campbell completed 20 of 33 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. He even gained an extra target as rookie Malcolm Kelly finally debuted with two catches.
When the Redskins really needed an offensive drive, they went with Portis over Campbell. Leading 20-17 with 7:05 remaining, the Redskins opened with three carries by Portis for 40 yards. Washington ran 10 of 11 plays before Ladell Betts fumbled with 1:28 remaining. Fortunately, cornerback Shawn Springs intercepted Seattle’s next play to save Betts, but the bottom line is Zorn ran and ran and ran.
Washington’s offensive malaise largely continued. The defense set up one touchdown while special teams and defense provided terrific field position. The passing game still isn’t clicking downfield.
So for now, it’s all about Portis grinding with occasional long gains. Sure and steady. The Redskins offense won’t be flashy over the final weeks. Instead, it’s about survive and advance. That’s why Zorn needs to stay with the higher-return run game with one of the tougher backs in the league.
You can have the young stars — Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner and Co. — but it’s old reliable that works, if 27 years old can be considered old reliable. Portis may be listed as questionable every week with a sprained knee. You saw him wince on the bench late in the first half. Yet, he returned for 58 yards in the second half with 48 in the final drive.
Zorn may be a former passer who loves to throw, but he’s smart enough to convert the West Coast Offense into a smashmouth offense. Portis will do the rest.
The Giants look uncatchable in the NFC East. The Redskins must outlast the rest. Better to rely on Portis. It’s that simple.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
