Betts runs for 114 yards in victory over Broncos
As the game ended, and the Redskins snapped their four-game skid, Andre Carter dropped to his knees, rose his arms high and held the pose for several seconds. This, for a change, was something to savor. A month of questions about coaching changes, failed plays and losses ate at their psyche.
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For a day, maybe even a week, the problems vanished, courtesy of a 27-17 win over visiting Denver (6-3).
“We’re not trash,” defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said, “like everyone thinks we are.”
» Offensive consultant Sherman Lewis and offensive coordinator Sherman Smith did an excellent job with the play-calling as the Redskins looked more like a Joe Gibbs team in the second half. The fake field goal might have turned the game around. » Denver coach Josh McDaniels did not do a good job with his play-calling for backup quarterback Chris Simms; they should have gone to quicker throws initially because it was clear he was rusty. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s defense failed to impress.
It was the largest margin of victory in coach Jim Zorn’s short tenure, which includes 11 wins. It was the first time Washington (3-6) had scored more than 20 points since the final game of last season.
“To come off with a win you almost don’t know how to feel,” Zorn said. “We remembered quickly.”
Washington reverted to its old standby to win: the running game. Backup Ladell Betts, subbing for Clinton Portis who was out with a concussion, rushed for 114 yards on 26 carries. Zorn said after the game that Portis would return to the starting lineup when healthy.
The offensive line, featuring its fifth different lineup this season, opened holes for Betts and Rock Cartwright (nine carries, 41 yards) in the second half as Washington threw just nine times.
They used more two tight-end sets than in almost any game this season, out of concern for Denver’s speedy backside pursuit of the ball. The strategy worked. And the Redskins rushed for a season-best 174 yards against the NFL’s eighth-ranked run defense.
“That was just pure effort out there,” said left tackle Levi Jones, making his first start in one year. “We’re tired of what’s been going on. We all banded together and we just kept pushing and pushing.”
Betts’ one-yard run capped a 60-yard drive with two minutes, 44 seconds left in the game and snapped a 17-17 tie.
“That’s what Ladell does,” center Casey Rabach said. “He hits holes fast and he tries to get the tough yardage.”
And the style of play was reminiscent of previous seasons, when muscling the ball downfield guided their success.
“When we went on a streak my rookie year [2007], we ran the ball,” safety Reed Doughty said. “We were physical on both sides of the ball. That was really fun to see.”
At the end of 2007, the Redskins won four straight to secure a playoff berth on the strength of the rushing attack.
Betts had not surpassed 100 yards since topping that mark five straight times at the end of the 2005 season.
“I was joking on the way over here that I didn’t remember how to get to [the interview] room,” Betts said. “I haven’t been here for so long. … It feels good.”
