The Washington Redskins were thumped. The stadium was nearly empty at the end. Their top offensive playmaker may be lost for the season.
And it still was better than everyone expected.
The Philadelphia Eagles sent the Redskins into their bye week with a 2-5 mark following a 27-17 loss on Monday. It was an old-fashioned whipping, one expected for weeks while the Redskins were struggling against the dregs of the league.
Good thing the Redskins said coach Jim Zorn was safe for the year or surely this nationally-televised loss would have been his curtain call. Instead, Zorn spent the night looking like the guy waiting for a bus.
It probably would have run him over. Like the one that flattened his team. Like a beating that confirmed it’s going to be an ugly ending before midseason.
Even the crowd couldn’t stomach another loss. About 15,000 never showed, mostly in the upper deck. About one-fourth of the lower bowl fans didn’t return for the second half. After all, who wants to waste a sick day on a team that makes fans barf?
It was a “Body Bag Lite” game. Tight end Chris Cooley left with a foot injury that could end the Pro Bowler’s season. The Eagles lost two starters. Total combined casualties threatened double digits.
Brother, can you spare some humanity?
A new playcaller didn’t even help. Oh, Sherman Lewis called a fair enough game in his first outing as Zorn’s successor. But if tackle Stephon Heyer chokeholds opponents, quarterback Jason Campbell throws an interception for a touchdown and Cooley leaves early, there’s only so much the retired bingo caller can call.
The Redskins offense remains mired in muck. And that was an improvement. At least there were a few big plays, including a sharp touchdown pass to … Devin Thomas? Must have sprung up from a trap door created by Dan Brown in his latest book that included the Redskins in the playoffs. That’s not fiction — it’s fantasy.
It’s a wonder ESPN announcer Jon Gruden could see the game given all the wincing the potential future Redskins coach must have done. He’ll need botox from all those wrinkles.
The Redskins now have 12 days before facing Atlanta. A time for reflection. For regrouping. No matter — the Redskins could have all month and not escape what promises to be a bitter ending.
The Burgundy Revolution continues.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
