The Riggo Drill is back and so are the Redskins.
Down 14-0 midway through the first quarter Sunday, Washington’s offensive line slapped Philadelphia’s defense around like a unrepentant criminal. It started with three field goals, then two touchdowns before the Redskins sealed the game with a fourth-and-two conversion.
Who says the finesse West Coast Offense can’t win a smash mouth NFC East game?
Washington is 4-1 after beating Philadelphia 23-17 at Lincoln Financial Field. That’s four straight wins, including at Dallas and Philadelphia. And the Redskins did it with a combination of luck, guile and brute play.
“I think the NFL was trying to put us in the fire,” said running back Clinton Portis of playing all three NFC East opponents on the road in the opening five games.
Well, they passed the flame test. The Redskins toasted the Eagles with just enough big plays while hammering a 9:30 possession advantage. The last drive proved Washington coach Jim Zorn’s playcalling isn’t a fluke that will be deciphered by coming defensive coordinators given enough game film.
Washington kept the ball for the final 7:18 to prevent any Philadelphia comeback. Portis ran seven times and Betts twice while Jason Campbell busted a pass defense on third and nine with a 15-yard scamper. Portis broke two long runs earlier, but mostly it was a day of grinding in the middle and when the Redskins needed two yards on fourth down, Portis gained four.
“That’s four weeks in a row our offense has gained confidence in the third and fourth quarters,” tight end Chris Cooley said.
Indeed, the Redskins entered halftime seeming to have the Eagles right where they wanted them despite trailing 14-9. The defense figured out Philadelphia after surrendering an opening-drive touchdown. The offense scored on three straight possessions.
“We didn’t change our game plan because they shut us down early,” Zorn said. “We truly stayed poised.”
Zorn blew a couple calls, but he also worked a couple plays despite little preparation — like the Antwaan Randle El’s touchdown throw. Zorn’s offense kept Philadelphia off-balanced with repeated open receivers in the middle of the field.
“You don’t know what we’re going to do,” Portis said.
Overshadowed by the eclectic offense was a defense that once again quickly adjusted. Despite missing three starters, the Redskins were a rookie mistake away from shutting out Philadelphia after the Eagles opening scores. End Andre Carter delivered one of his better efforts against the run in three seasons. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh has been smothering and safety Chris Horton just seems to be around the ball, though there’s still room for improvement — like making sure a receiver on the ground has been touched to avoid a 40-yard gain.
The Redskins aren’t perfect. They got away with a few mistakes yesterday. And yet, Washington has proven it’s no September fluke. Instead, the Redskins are looking like postseason contenders.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
