The Redskins blew another one.
Santana Moss was dreadful. Sean Taylor dropped three interceptions. Three more offensive linemen were hurt. Coaches burned time outs than a like a pyromaniac with an extra book of matches.
The Redskins showed once more they’re just not ready for prime time unless it’s the Comedy Channel. They so had the Green Bay Packers beaten Sunday and just gave it away — just like they did against the New York Giants.
Let’s see, the Redskins record is now three wins and two games where they beat themselves. Washington could be 5-0. Instead, the Redskins are barely getting by like a one-armed barber.
Who thought Brandon Lloyd playing would be a good thing, but Moss dropped more balls than a blind juggler. Moss’ fumble for a Green Bay touchdown was the difference in the Packers’ 17-14 victory.
A Joe Gibbs’ team isn’t supposed to make so many mistakes. That was a Norv Turner excuse-fest.
“We needed a play — couldn’t get it,” Gibbs said.
Got that right. Instead of returning 4-1 with a good chance of beating Arizona for 5-1 heading to New England on Oct. 28, Washington must regroup once more with a bunch of battered offensive linemen. Tackle Chris Samuels is the only remaining healthy lineman from the opening training camp lineup. The Beatles have more original members left.
Just when the Redskins looked like they’re ready to escape the malaise of the past 16 years, reality strikes. Gibbs has long said the season would be a series of counterpunching, but the Redskins keep smacking themselves like the Three Stooges. If they don’t beat a good Arizona team before facing New England, 3-4 is looming with plenty more tough games remaining.
Redskins Park should be designated a church for all the soul searching going on.
The defense is still outstanding even if Carlos Rogers bounced off Packers tight end Donald Lee like a rubber ball to set up the first touchdown. Taylor managed two picks, but could have caught five. That’s nitpicking, though.
Instead, offensive injuries are scuttling the Redskins. Even if injured center Casey Rabach and right tackle Todd Wade return against Arizona, they’re limited. When backup tackle Stephon Heyer went down, defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander nearly changed sides.
Running back Clinton Portis is obviously playing hurt. Moss returned too soon because he dropped several balls and fumbled away the game. Sounds like a replay of last season’s blues. If quarterback Jason Campbell and tight end Chris Cooley hadn’t recaptured last year’s magic, the Redskins might have been blanked.
Get ready for another “must win” on Sunday versus Arizona. The Redskins either solve their problems quickly or the season slips away before Agent Zero and Co., Georgetown and Maryland hoops take over. Washington may be a basketball town come Thanksgiving if the Redskins don’t buck up right now.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
