Aggressive play fuels big comeback against Eagles
The Redskins finally played the way the experts, and most others, expected. They couldn’t move the ball; they allowed a long scoring drive; and they messed up on special teams, resulting in another touchdown.
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Yes, the Redskins had returned to reality.
It didn’t last long.
Washington overcame a 14-0 first-quarter deficit to beat Philadelphia, 23-17, Sunday — their second straight win at a division opponent. Now they’re 4-1 and one of the NFL’s top stories.
“I can believe it,” Redskins corner Carlos Rogers said, “but it’s probably a shock to a lot of other people. Our job is to make it to 5-1.”
With upcoming games against St. Louis (0-4), Cleveland (1-3) and Detroit (0-4), the Redskins have a chance for a magical first half.
“We’re happy,” linebacker London Fletcher said, “but we’re not satisfied. We still have a lot of work to do before we’re an upper-echelon team. We’re just a blue-collar team.”
The reasons they’re 4-1 are the same reasons they beat the Eagles:
» Resiliency. Washington looked bad in the season-opening loss to the New York Giants, leading to questions about its coach (Jim Zorn), quarterback (Jason Campbell) and the overall direction of the franchise.
Then, against the Eagles, Washington trailed by two touchdowns midway through the first quarter after rookie DeSean Jackson returned a punt 68 yards for a score.
In the opening 15 minutes, Washington managed just 23 of its 388 yards of offense.
“We were a little shocked,” Zorn said. “What the players did was stay focused and we didn’t change our game plan.”
Said Fletcher, “We’re a reflection of [Zorn]. He won’t get too overwhelmed by whatever happens.”
Three Shaun Suisham second-quarter field goals inched the Redskins closer at halftime. They took the lead on an 18-yard touchdown pass from receiver Antwaan Randle El, running to his right, to tight end Chris Cooley. Clinton Portis increased the lead to nine with a four-yard scoring run.
» Aggressiveness. The Redskins went for it on fourth and 1 at the Eagles’ 38-yard line. This time, Portis gained three yards with two minutes, 48 seconds left. It helped Washington control the clock for the final 7:18.
It’s the second time Washington has successfully done this during its four-game streak.
» Sound defense. The defense, as it’s done for the first month, shut down the opposing standout, limiting running back Brian Westbrook to 84 yards of total offense and one touchdown. In the streak, they’ve tamed the big-play threat from each offense.
“It’s definitely a level of fulfillment and enjoyment,” Redskins end Andre Carter said. “The hard work is paying off, but we still have a long season.”
