What we learned
» The Redskins need to do a better job of getting the ball to Santana Moss, who has just two catches combined in the past two games. They have tried, but he’s been double teamed. Still, he must be more of a factor. One way to get him involved, especially in games where he’s not getting many receptions, is on punt returns. Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that the Redskins likely will get him more chances on punt returns in the future. He’s been deep on returns just once this season.
» Linebacker Marcus Washington was his old self on Sunday, dancing during breaks on the field, rocking his head to the music. His presence was felt. Washington was unofficially credited with eight tackles, two for a loss, and forced a fumble. Reserve H.B. Blades is a nice story, but he’s too small for a long-term starting role at strongside linebacker. The Redskins need Washington to stay healthy the rest of the season.
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» The issues that hurt Washington Sunday are ones that will continue to pop up throughout the season. The Redskins can’t age their young safeties so they will continue to make rookie mistakes. The punting situation won’t be solved, even if and when a new punter is signed. And they still can’t apply enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Redskins have proven they’re good enough to beat any team and now that they can lose to any team. It’s still uncertain if they’re just a nice early-season story or a team that is ready to contend for the entire season.
Player of note » Malcolm Kelly • WR
The last of Washington’s three second-round picks continues to have issues with his left knee. He was inactive for the fourth time this season and coach Jim Zorn said he’s a long way from contributing. Kelly had to have his knee drained twice last week. If his knee doesn’t improve, there’s a chance that he’ll be placed on the injured reserve.
Quarterback watch » Jason Campbell
Campbell did not post huge numbers Sunday, but he once again showed signs of progress. On one pass, Campbell hit running back Clinton Portis when he was the fourth option. Campbell also directed a 73-yard scoring drive that started with 8:18 remaining. He ranks third in the NFC in fourth-quarter passer rating (116.3) He’s third in the NFL in fourth-quarter passing yards (426).
Redskins notes
» Redskins corner Leigh Torrence had Donnie Avery smothered. But there was one thing he wishes he had done: turn inside. Then he might have had a chance to deflect the underthrown pass that Avery turned into a 43-yard reception, setting up a game-winning field goal in the Redskins 19-17 loss to St. Louis.
“You want to make a play on that,” said Torrence. “I wasn’t able to come up with it, but that’s the life out there on the corner.”
It didn’t help that rookie safety Kareem Moore, based on his read, was supposed to blitz but didn’t.
“He would have had a nice shot at [the quarterback],” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said of Moore.
But Torrence laid the blame on himself.
“It’s frustrating,” he said, “but you’ve got to move on.”
» Right tackle Stephon Heyer (shoulder) and safety Reed Doughty (back) are still uncertain for this week. Doughty has an irritated nerve in his back that has caused some numbness in one of his feet.
Zorn said Heyer’s shoulder still needs to be strengthened. He also called the right tackle spot a “competition.” Last week he said it remained Heyer’s provided he was healthy. Jon Jansen has filled in the past three games and has pleased the coaches with his performance.
Receiver James Thrash (knee), left tackle Chris Samuels (mild sprained knee) and corner Fred Smoot (groin) are expected to play Sunday.
