Regardless, last night proved to be another troublesome game for the Redskins (2-5). Coach Jim Zorn might have gained a vote of confidence last week, but more outings like this and that could change.

But in reality there was a difference between the Redskins and Eagles: speed and a quarterback who could make plays downfield.

Not to mention an offensive line that can’t protect the passer.

“We had seven-step drops that was hard for [quarterback Jason Campbell] to set up and look down the field,” Zorn said. “The receivers couldn’t develop the patterns down the field. After a while it takes it out of you … . It was a lack of being able to physically protect him.”

First, the speed, because that was noticeable immediately. On the first possession of the game, Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson – whom the Redskins bypassed in the second round of the 2008 draft – took an end around 67 yards for a touchdown.

His speed, and Donovan McNabb’s veteran smarts, gave Philadelphia a 27-7 lead. McNabb, on a third and 23, looked right, pumped and then threw back deep to the left to a wide-open Jackson for a 57-yard touchdown. Corner Carlos Rogers and safety Chris Horton both bit on the fake.

Meanwhile, for the Redskins’ offense, there was no change in the offense despite the forced change in play-callers to Lewis. What he had to discover was that Washington needs players as much as plays.

Lewis was in charge of calling the pass plays while offensive coordinator Sherman Smith called the run plays. Zorn took over the play-calling a few times, notably on the two-minute drills and on some plays in the red zone, including the final touchdown pass, a one-yard toss from Campbell to Fred Davis.

“The result was the same,” Zorn said. “I could get up here and I could be real critical because I didn’t get to call the plays and I could whine about it. Or I could say it was the best game anyone has ever called in their lives. I don’t want to do any of that because it’s unfair. I have been a play-caller and I don’t want anyone to have me complaining about what happened or what didn’t happen.”

The offense managed 308 total yards of offense. They did not score until the Eagles led 17-0. Campbell, under pressure most of the night and sacked six times, threw a two-yard scoring pass to receiver Devin Thomas.

It was a nice play, but it could not help the Redskins overcome, well, themselves. Turnovers played a factor in the first half lead by Philadelphia. A Campbell first-quarter pass was tipped and returned nine yards for a touchdown by linebacker Will Witherspoon.

On Washington’s next series, Campbell was sacked by Witherspoon and fumbled, leading to a David Akers field goal. Campbell could not run because he sprained his left ankle on the third play of the game.

At times, Campbell said he would eliminate his first two progressions before the ball was even snapped, knowing how under siege he would be.

“You try to tell everyone to speed up their routes,” Campbell said. “I tried to go through my progressions as quick as I could.”

And the final indignity of the night for Washington? On a fourth and goal with under five minutes remaining, center Casey Rabach snapped as if Campbell were under center. Alas, he was not. The Eagles recovered the fumble. The fans booed. The stadium emptied.

Washington managed Davis’ touchdown after this drive, but it was much too little and much too late.

Now the Redskins head into their bye week, with some saying they welcome the time off and others not so sure.

“I’d rather keep truckin’,” corner DeAngelo Hall said, “especially with this bitter taste in your mouth.”

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