It’s time to start believing.
Beating New Orleans and Arizona at home was nice. They’re decent opponents Washington should defeat. But knocking off Dallas 26-24 Sunday at Texas Stadium as 11-point underdogs is proof the Redskins are for real.
Dallas was supposed to be the NFL’s best team and Washington flat out beat the Cowboys. Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell outplayed Dallas counterpart Tony Romo. Washington running back Clinton Portis out-gained Dallas’ Marion Barber 121-26. The Redskins defense K.O.’d T.O. as Santana Moss’ 145 yards receiving trumped Terrell Owens’ 71 and a touchdown.
They’re probably calling for Cowboys coach Wade Phillips’ head today in Big D, but in Washington everyone now knows the Redskins found the best unknown assistant coach since Joe Gibbs. Not to put three Lombardi Trophies on Jim Zorn’s resume, but becoming the first Redskins coach since George Allen in 1971 to beat the Cowboys in his first try was impressive.
It was a duel in Dallas and the Redskins gunned down the Cowboys. You gotta wonder where this is headed. Save the weekends in January for now.
It’s hard to say who’s more impressive nowadays. Campbell gets better every game. Zorn’s mentoring is clearly working. Campbell completed 20 of 31 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He has no turnovers in four games.
Clinton Portis gained 121 yards on just 21 carries. That’s 5.8 yards per carry. Moss was phenomenal with eight catches.
Zorn’s playcalling has grown faster than corn in August. For someone whose clock management was dismal in the opener just three games earlier, the Redskins worked a near seven-minute drive in the fourth quarter to grab a nine-point lead that proved the difference.
But don’t forget the defense. Cornerback Carlos Rogers is having a career year despite returning from a serious knee injury. When Shawn Springs was sidelined by a calf injury, Rogers denied Owens on two straight plays. Safety Chris Horton grabbed another interception. What a seventh-round steal.
And just like other units rebounded from a poor efforts, special teams was special once more. Kicker Shaun Suisham made all four field goals. Beleaguered punter Durant Brooks averaged 46.3 yards. Punt returner Antwaan Randle El averaged 10.3 yards.
Everything is coming together at warp speed.
Washington heads to Philadelphia this week for another NFC East showdown. Many followers thought the Redskins would be fortunate to go 2-3 in their first five games. If Washington beats Philadelphia to reach 4-1 with their division road trips done, it’s time to start believing.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
