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(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Bouncin’ Back” by Mystikal

This game was a funny one. The national media had all but said the Washington Redskins as a team had quit on coach Jim Zorn a month ago. If you believed everything you read, then this team had no heart, the coach was running out the final two games before he gets canned and seemingly the entire roster needs to be turned over. Maybe this wasn’t exactly the case.

With the roster the healthiest it’s been possibly all season long, the Redskins looked like a different team – especially on defense. Forget about no names like Cedric Benson and Ryan Fitzpatrick marching up and down the field on them. That’s ancient history. Instead, what the FedEx Field faithful were treated to in the regular season finale was an inspired defensive effort that damn near shut out one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Remember, this is an Eagles team that had been averaging 30 points per game during their winning streak.

It turns out that with guys like middle linebacker London Fletcher, defensive end Andre Carter, safety Chris “The Predator” Horton, linebacker Marcus Washington, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin and cornerback Shawn Springs back to full speed this is a pretty dominating defense. Go figure.

2. “Guerrilla Radio” by Rage Against the Machine

Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor went on the Junkies morning radio show last week and called himself out, essentially saying he’s not played up to the contract his employer is currently paying him. No doubt, it’s a bold strategy, but apparently it’s a smart one.

Because Taylor came out Sunday and easily played the best game of his Redskins career – picking up two sacks and causing the fumble that directly resulted into the only touchdown scored all game long. If this is what we can expect when Taylor goes on the radio, let’s get him a weekly segment on Redskins Radio. Doesn’t the team own a radio station? Seriously, this needs to happen – if for no other reason than this version of Jason Taylor actually resembled the former defensive player of the year.

3. “The Lonesome Kicker” by Adam Sandler

Redskins punter Ryan Plackemieier played the best game we’ve seen a punter play in a long, long time. The Redskins have gotten so little from their punters for so long that it’s truly jarring when one of them actually brings something to the table. Remember, this season started with Derrick Frost and some rookie punter “battling” for punting duties on the Washington Redskins, only to have both cashing unemployment checks before Thanksgiving.

So watching Plackemeier pin the Eagles with a barrage of spectacular punts was a thing of beauty. If you want to know why the Redskins were in a position to win with only 10 points on the board consider this – the Eagles average starting field position in the fourth quarter was their own 10 yard line. If that’s not worthy of a game ball, then nothing is.

It almost goes without saying, if you want to win in the NFL, you need to win two of the three phases of the game. Sunday, the ‘Skins dominated on defense and the special teams, for the first time in recent memory, was a factor in a positive way. That’s why ‘Skins fans aren’t sitting around lamenting over another anemic offensive showing.

4. “Justify My Thug” by Jay-Z

We posed a fairly simple question to anyone we came across in the FedEx Field press box Sunday.

“Who was the last rookie head coach to get fired after winning eight games,” we asked.
No one had a clue. Why? Because it just doesn’t happen. So to all of those people who are convinced that owner Daniel Snyder will somehow find a way to screw things up and fire Jim Zorn, let history be your guide. It’s hard to win games in the NFL. As a rookie, it’s even harder. So please try to remember that finishing with anything better than a losing record is an accomplishment and Zorn a break. If he’s not back here next season, then it’s nothing short of a traveshamockery.

5. “Thirty-Three” by Smashing Pumpkins

The Redskins family lost the greatest player to ever don the burgundy and gold when Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh passed away this week at the age of 94. Baugh might not have been the first NFL player to break out the forward pass, but he still revolutionized the game, much in the same way that greats like Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky did in their respective sports. In the NFL’s inaugural Hall of Fame class only two players were voted in unanimously. Needless to say, Slingin’ Sammy was one of them. His number 33 is also the only jersey number officially retired by the Redskins. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Dead and Gone” by T.I. (with Justin Timberlake)

It don’t get any worse than this folks.

In fact, tight end Chris Cooley, who has played in 78 games since he joined the team in 2004, said the Washington Redskins’ 20-13 loss to the lowly Cincinnati Bengals Sunday represented a new low.

“This is by far the worst loss I’ve experienced since I’ve been on the team,” Cooley said in the locker room following an embarrassing loss that all but guaranteed the ‘Skins will be home for the holidays watching other teams compete in the NFL playoffs.

Cooley’s candor aside, several of his teammates echoed the tight end’s words and were left to try and figure out exactly where things went wrong. How did the Redskins go from being mentioned among the league’s elite at 6-2 to here, last in the division and still free falling at 7-7? More specifically, how did they manage to lose to the Bengals, when they came into the game a pitiful 1-11-1?

2. “No Excuses” by Alice in Chains

There are two possible explanations for where the Washington Redskins currently stand. One, the team has quit on head coach Jim Zorn. The other option is that this team just isn’t very good. Neither option is good. Mostly because both mean changes, once again, will be taking place this offseason at Redskins Park.

Was this a playoff-caliber team when Jim Zorn took over or were they simply a squad that got hot at the right time and overachieved to reach the postseason last season? Once that question is answered honestly, then we can begin to determine just how much work needs to go into rebuilding this franchise.

3. “Breakin’ Old Habits” by The Notorious B.I.G.

The problem is, well … the sheer number of problems this team is currently having. The offense can’t score points. The defense can’t make a fourth-quarter stop. Special teams should have clown music playing whenever they take the field. Honestly, we should just say the things this team is doing well instead of focusing on everything not going right. It would save time.

Take for example the punt return game. Everyone knows Antwaan Randle El has been absolutely worthless returning punts. Well, they put Santana Moss back there twice and he’s actually capable of making something happen. So what happens? Both times Moss had a punt return, the team was penalized. It’s as if they’re not used to having a competent returner back there, so they didn’t know what they were supposed to do once Moss took a return more than three yards.

While we’re on the subject of special teams, it’s readily apparent Shaun Suisham is not planning on being a member of the Redskins next season. Not only does he routinely miss field goal attempts, but then he decides to kick the ball out of bounds on a kickoff. He apparently tried to sneak back into the bench area after the play until Zorn screamed for him. An ear chewing followed that included many words not suitable for print. For the record, the only other time we saw a serious reaction from Zorn was after the team had to settle for a field goal to make the score 17-10. He just lowered his head and muttered under his breathe about the fact that the offense couldn’t get into the endzone. Clearly he said what most of us were thinking.

4. “Predictable” by Korn

And speaking of that offense … where do we begin? Most days “poor execution” is to blame, or at least that’s been the coach’s go-to response week in and week out. Not today. This loss falls squarely on Zorn. How can you have one of the best running backs in the league and not use him on the goal line at least once? Mike Sellers is a very solid player, but if the 280 lb. fullback couldn’t get in the first time, then why go back on the very next play? Why not give the ball to Clinton Portis, who at last check was the NFC’s third-leading rusher? Seriously, this isn’t rocket surgery (to borrow a phrase from Joe Theismann). Stop trying to over think things and give the ball to your playmakers.

The offense has become stale and predictable. They don’t challenge opposing defenses at all and don’t take chances (unless you count throwing a four-yard pass on third and six).

While the losses are piling up, folks around town are jumping all over Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who admittedly needs to play at a higher level if this team is truly going to be competitive with the league’s elite. But here’s the thing – it’s not like everyone else on the roster is lighting it up while Campbell struggles. There are issues nearly everywhere you look.

Campbell got outplayed by a nobody quarterback named Ryan Fitzpatrick. But so did Portis, who got outplayed by Cedric Benson, the same Cedric Benson who was last seen getting pepper sprayed by police for drunk driving a boat. Sadly, this was the case for most of the positional comparisons between the ‘Skins and the lowly Bengals. For a creative offensive head coach, Zorn sure does run a predictable operation.

5. “I predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs

All that being said, the Redskins absolutely should not fire Jim Zorn after just one season. Is he in over his head? Possibly. Do changes need to be made? Absolutely. But it would be a mistake to run the first-year coach out of town after his inaugural campaign. Management must resist the urge to do what comes all too easy at Redskins Park – overreacting in an attempt to save face while criticism mounts.

Zorn did something right at the beginning of the year and was able to get a flawed team to 6-2. He’s still the same coach capable of putting together a winner. He just needs some help, whether it be in gameplanning or transforming the roster to better be able to run a true West Coast offense. Don’t do it. Don’t fire Zorn. The right coach is on board. Instead of focusing on possible coaching replacements or other bad ideas, spend your time devising ways to help put him in the best position to succeed.

Bonus track: “Bengals Growl” by Bird’s Band

If nothing else, this link should serve as a reminder that things could always be worse. Not only have the Bengals been terrible for as long as folks can remember, but they also have the most embarrassing excuse for a “fight song” in the history of football. This is the actual song played at Bengals home games when the team scores. Seriously. We couldn’t make this stuff up.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Broken TV” by Bush

Just 45 seconds into the game, Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell was intercepted by Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed. Five plays later, Baltimore took the lead on a LeRon McClain touchdown run.

The ‘Skins second drive was more successful, if only because it didn’t end with a turnover. Instead the team went three and out and punted (which was a dandy 21-yarder by the pitiful Ryan Plackemeier).

The Redskins third drive? It ended after just one play – a fumble by running back Clinton Portis that ended with Reed scooping up the lose ball and taking it 22 yards for a touchdown that effectively ended the competitive portion of the evening. Five minutes into the game it was 14-0 and we wouldn’t have blamed anyone at home for throwing the remote control through the television set or, at a minimum, flipping the channel to something less depressing.

2. “Gone Til November” by Wyclef Jean

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall compared the team to Oscar De La Hoya, who suffered a humbling loss 24 hours earlier. Guard Randy Thomas talked about having his pride hurt. Tackle Chris Samuels wondered if his season was over after suffering a sprained bicep. There were no moral victories or room for sugar coating the situation after the Redskins loss to the Ravens, 24-10.

Any shot this team had at the playoffs ended Sunday night. Sure, the Redskins are still mathematically alive, but realistically this team – the same one that jumped out the gate with an impressive 6-2 start the first half of the season – is done, dropping to 7-6 after losing four out of their last five games.

3. “Everybody Hurts” by REM

Clinton Portis. London Fletcher. Andre Carter. Shawn Springs. Marcus Washington. Cornelius Griffin. Jon Jansen. Chris Samuels. Chris “The Predator” Horton.

Its common knowledge that every player on every team is banged up to some degree 12 games into the season, but this is past the point of absurdity. You simply can’t have this many important players either sidelined or hobbled by injuries and expect to remain competitive. The guys are professionals and are going to give it their all each and every week, but it’s almost like the ‘Skins start each game with no room for error.

It’s so bad that even the opposition feels obligated to weigh in. After blowing past offensive lineman Justin Geisinger, who was in the game after Samuels’ injury, Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs crushed Campbell for a 12-yard loss and then turned to the Redskins sideline with some words for the coaching staff.

“I actually pointed at Jim Zorn and said, ‘You can’t do this, you’re going to get your quarterback hurt,’” Suggs told Jason la Canfora of the Washington Post after the game. “I was like, ‘I don’t think this guy is supposed to be here. You’ve got a mistake.’”

The worst part is Suggs is right. Nothing against Geisinger, but if he’s in the game, it’s not good for the burgundy and gold.

4. “Tell It Like It Is” by Ludacris

The offense is officially inept. This team has had trouble scoring points all season long, but at least they used to be able to drive up and down the field and rack up yardage. Now, staying on the field for more than a three and out is a choir. Take, for example, the sequence of events in the second quarter, when the team was backed in their own end and facing a third and one. Three penalties later (two false starts and a holding call) it’s suddenly third and 15 with the ‘Skins standing on their own five-yard line. And yet, Campbell completed a 27-yard pass to wide out Santana Moss to keep the drive alive. Apparently they didn’t have a one-yard play for that situation, so they backed up until they had room to run the 15-yard play. At this point it’s just maddening for ‘Skins fans.

The defense played well for much of the night but they couldn’t make the big stop when they needed to. The Ravens went for it on fourth down and easily converted, keeping the drive alive that gave them the 17-0 lead. And even after the ‘Skins battled back to make it 17-10 in the fourth quarter, the defense got humbled by a statement drive – a 12-play, seven-minute game clincher that ensured the Redskins went home empty handed once again. It’s great to see the defense finally getting turnovers, but when they needed to get the opposing team off the field – much like against the Dallas Cowboys a few weeks ago – they simply can’t seal the deal.

And don’t even get us started on the “special” teams. Shaun Suisham used to be a solid kicker, but now he’s a liability. He’s got more misses (nine in 31 attempts) than any other kicker in the league and no one can say with any confidence that he’s capable of making a field goal any time he steps on the field (as evident by his 71 percent accuracy on the season). But at least he’s better than punter Ryan Plackemeier. Seriously, this guy makes us long for rookie punter. Can someone tell the front office Derrick Frost is available? He wasn’t much, but he was better than this.

5. “Numb” by Link Park

Here’s the thing – this team might not win another game this year. We’re not suggesting anyone has quit on head coach Jim Zorn, but it wouldn’t surprise us if between the injuries and everything else this team continues to spiral out of control the final three games of the season. Our advice? Stock the beer fridge. It’s going to be a long and unpleasant ride. Alcohol is great for numbing the pain and is cheaper than therapy.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Welcome to the Cruel World” by Ben Harper

In high school or college the home team always has the benefit of scheduling some cream puff for homecoming. Unfortunately, teams don’t have the same abilities when it comes to scheduling in the NFL, so the Washington Redskins had to face the best team in the league, the New York Giants when it came time to honor the one-year anniversary of the death of Sean Taylor.

Even though the weather was less than ideal, everything leading up to the game was perfect. Injured players such as running back Clinton Portis, middle linebacker London Fletcher and defensive end Andre Carter were all deemed healthy enough to play. Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs was back in town for the first time since he retired, and so was the entire Taylor family. Not only did the team honor Taylor by adding his name to the Ring of Fame, but they also had a video tribute and presented his parents with a commemorative plaque.

By the time they announced Taylor in the starting lineup and Portis came out with a flag honoring his fallen teammate, we were pumped up enough to strap on the pads and take on the Giants. But as you know by now, things went downhill fast once the game began.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin’s gameplan was to come out aggressive and try to knock the wind out of an emotional Redskins team early, and his team executed perfectly. A couple of clutch third down conversions by the formerly unreliable Eli Manning and suddenly the ‘Skins talented defense was on its heels. By the time Manning connected with wide out Armani Toomer for a perfectly-executed 40-yard strike, the game was pretty much over. The only way the Redskins could win was to keep it a low scoring affair. The Giants driving down the field with ease on their first drive was exactly what couldn’t happen and meant an unfitting ending to what should have been a day of celebration.

2. “Give It Away” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

While few reasonable people expected the team to win today, there are still several reasons for concern following this 23-7 loss. This offense is officially in a drought. Not since the Arizona and New Orleans games has this team had much success driving up and down the field and finishing drives. This offense, for whatever reason, is only good in spurts. They’ll put together half a drive, only to shoot themselves (sorry Plaxico) in the foot. It’s difficult to fathom an offense jumping out the gate with a rookie head coach early and then falling apart as the team has more time to get the subtle nuances down, but for whatever reason, that’s where we are.

Portis had just 22 yards on 11 carries. Campbell threw for 232 yards with no touchdowns and one pick. He was also sacked four times (twice by Renaldo Wynn, who the ‘Skins discarded ages ago). Tight end Chris Cooley had six catches for 71 yards, but he was the only player involved in the passing game to earn his paycheck on this day.

3. “Gimme Some More” by Busta Rhymes

The only highlights on this day were cornerback DeAngelo Hall picking off his second pass in three games and rookie wide out Devin Thomas scoring his first NFL touchdown. That’s it.

Hall should have had his third interception for the Redskins, but teammate Shawn Springs (whose normal gameday routine includes civilian clothes and a seat on the bench) collided into him when he was about to reel the ball in. The Giants ended up punting anyways and the ‘Skins offense had given no sign that they would have been able to do anything with the shorter field, but it would have been nice to have at least three plays to feel good about.

4. “Long Road” by Pearl Jam

So here we are, praying this team catches fire in December for the third time in four years. This locker room has shown they play their best when their backs are absolutely against the proverbial wall, which is where they currently stand. Realistically, there is only one spot left to claim in the NFC playoff race. If they can’t grab the sixth seed, they’ll be home come January. That means they absolutely need to win at least three out of their final four games. Can they do it? History says yes. Us? Well, we’re not so sure this time around.

5. “One Shot 2 Shot” by Eminem (featuring D12)

You didn’t think we were going to do a recap and not mention Plaxico Burress, did you? Seriously, what the hell was he thinking? (Other than possibly, “Oh shit, I just shot myself in the thigh!”) The Giants have been more than gracious to the troubled receiver this year, opting to try and sweep countless fines and incidents under the rug in attempts to deal with the diva internally. Of course, blowing off team meetings is one thing. Firing a weapon off in a crowded nightclub is another. This is clearly a cry for help (or he could simply be crying because there’s a bullet in his thigh. It’s hard to say).

All we know is, Burress will likely be charged with felony possession of a firearm and felony reckless endangerment to go along with his self-inflicted wounds. Once the season is over, assuming Burress somehow avoids jail time, he’ll most likely have to seek a new place of employment because the Giants organization is clearly moving in a different direction than Plaxico.

(photo by John Pappas)

1. “Go” by Pearl Jam

After back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins needed to get back on track and return to the formula that brought them success earlier in the season. With that in mind, head coach Jim Zorn turned to running back Clinton Portis, who responded 143 yards on 29 carries (after rushing for just 119 yards in the last two games combined) and carried his team to their first win in nearly a month.

As he’s done for most of the season, Portis did the heavy lifting for the ‘Skins erratic offense. Although he’s still nursing a sprained knee and several other nagging injuries, the league’s leading rusher with 1,206 yards through 11 games, got better as the game went on and wore down a feisty Seahawks defense with his punishing running style. Out of his 143 yards on the day, 67 of them came during the fourth quarter (when Portis averaged a whopping 6.7 yards per carry).

Take, for example, the Redskins second-to-last drive of the game, a drive that started on their own four-yard line with just over seven minutes remaining. Clinging to a 20-17 lead, the ‘Skins turned to Portis on first down and he responded with a nine-yard run. On the next play Portis rushed for 11 yards. The third play of the drive brought more of the same, with Portis busting out a 20-yard gain. The Redskins looked to have the game all but wrapped up as they continued to move the ball with ease while simultaneously killing the clock until backup running back Ladell Betts, giving Portis a breather, fumbled the ball at the Seattle 22-yard line.

Fortunately the Redskins were able to intercept a Matt Hasselbeck pass on the next play to effectively end the game, but the truth is the Redskins could not have beaten this 2-9 Seahawks team without Portis.

2. “Outshined” by Soundgarden

Overshadowed by Portis effort was that of Seattle running back Maurice Morris, who rushed for 103 yards on just 14 carries. Morris, who primarily backs up running back Julius Jones, came into the game with 39 carries for 175 rushing yards in seven games this season, and yet, managed to gash the ‘Skins defense seemingly at will in the early stages of this game. His first carry of the day was a 44-yard explosion that would have ended in the endzone, if not for a great individual effort by safety LaRon Landry to save what could have been a back-breaking touchdown in the first quarter.

Speaking of Landry, he also made his presence known in the third quarter with an acrobatic game-changing interception of an errant Hasselback pass. Landry now has three career interceptions against the Seahawks quarterback (counting the two picks he had in the playoff loss to Seattle last season) and zero against the rest of the NFL.

3. “Grind” by Alice in Chains

Another vital cog in the Redskins offense is fullback Mike Sellers, who bulldozed Seattle defenders while blocking for the running game and also contributed to the passing game with four catches for 30 yards. Sure, he dropped a “gimme” touchdown, but Sellers made up for it the rest of the afternoon by paving the way for Portis to run all over Seattle’s Qwest Field.

It’s funny that a game featuring two supposed West Coast offenses came down to a battle of running games, but that’s exactly the case. Thanks to Portis and Sellers, the Redskins ran 30 more plays than the Seahawks (76 to 46), had nearly twice as many first downs (24 to 13) and controlled the ball for nearly 17 minutes longer than Seattle (38:27 to 21:33). It’s hard to win the game when you can’t get your defense off the field, and in the rare moments Seattle offense was in the game, Hasselbeck split his passes evenly between Seahawk receivers and Redskins defenders (two touchdown and two interceptions).

4. “Down” by Stone Temple Pilots

Portis (knee and hip), Defensive end Andre Carter (foot), defensive tackle Kedric Golston (ankle), and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin needed medical attention at various points during the game. Wide out Malcolm Kelly and cornerback Shawn Springs were back in action after extended absences due to injury. Injuries are a part of the game and every team is battling this issue this deep into the season, but if the ‘Skins are going to continue to win, they need to catch a break or two in the injury department. It goes without saying that if Portis or wide out Santana Moss aggravate an injury and are sidelined for long, then the offense is in serious trouble. And the fourth-ranked defense needs guys like Griffin and Carter healthy as they head into the last month of the season – especially against physical opponents like the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens.

5. “Come as You Are” by Nirvana

It wasn’t pretty, but in the end Jim Zorn was able to get a victory over head coach Mike Holmgren because he went back to basics. Recent history shows that the Redskins are at their best when they’re able to run and stop the run. Portis did more than his fair share to help the ‘Skins improve to 7-4, but the Redskins run defense should be an area of concern.

If the Redskins are realistically going to be a playoff contender this year, then they need to tighten up against the run. Morris’ 103-yard effort follows Cowboys running back Marion Barber’s 24-carry, 114-yard night one week ago. While Barber is among the league’s elite, Morris hadn’t rushed for 100 yards since 2006. Watching the game, one couldn’t help but noticed the Redskins undersized front seven getting pushed around and beaten by the Seahawks offensive line at the point of attack. Yes, the Redskins secondary is among the deepest in the NFL, but teams are going to see the film of the Seahawks and Cowboys running all over the ‘Skins front seven and continue to try and exploit the problem until adjustments are made.

On offense, the Redskins just need to continue to try and mix things up. Portis is the work horse, but a dependable passing game will prevent defenses from stacking the line of scrimmage in an all-out effort to shut Portis down. The touchdown quarterback Jason Campbell threw to wide out Antwaan Randle El was a perfect example of what this offense can do. In a five-receiver set, Campbell found Randle El, who had cut behind tight end Chris Cooley in a crossing pattern, for an eight-yard score. Plays like that are going to be vital down the stretch if the ‘Skins have any hope of keeping defenses honest and, more importantly, keeping Portis healthy.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Let Down” by Radiohead

Spin it however you’d like, but things just aren’t clicking on the offensive side of the ball for the Redskins these days. If ever there was a game to be fired up for, it was this one. First of all, a win Sunday night against your hated rival effectively eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs. That’s always enjoyable. Then, you’ve got running back Clinton Portis, who everyone said there was no way he was playing, strapping it up and not only playing hurt, but starting. And oh, by the way, your two Hall of Famers – wide receiver Art Monk and cornerback Darrell Green – received their HOF rings in a ceremony before kickoff. Like we said, if the team couldn’t come out of the bye week with all of that going for them and get a win, then it’s time to start asking some serious questions.

2. “Show Me What You Got” by Jay-Z

One player who needs not be a part of the soul searching Clinton Portis. All week long we kept hearing that there was zero chance Portis would be able to play against the Cowboys, and yet, there he was warming up on the field before kickoff. We had a chance to talk to his mom down on the field about an hour before gametime and she told us that while her son wasn’t 100 percent, he was definitely going to play and give it everything he had. He knew how big this game was and there just wasn’t any way he was going to watch from the sidelines when his teammates needed him (commonly referred to as “pulling a Shawn Springs”). It matters not that Portis finished with 15 carries for 68 yards. Just seeing him tough it out and limping back to the sidelines in between plays showed everything you need to know about the Redskins’ best player.

3. “Down in a Hole” by Alice in Chains

Outside of Portis, there are some major causes for concern with the ‘Skins offense, which has recorded just six touchdowns over the last five games. During that same span, the team has scored more than 20 points just once – and that was against the winless Detroit Lions. With the nation watching as Washington hosted back-to-back primetime games, the ‘Skins scored a grand total of one touchdown in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys.

This team needs to stick with what works. Go back to basics. Something. Because what we’re seeing right now is not an offense capable of any kind of consistent production. If this team can’t find a way to challenge opposing teams downfield, then it’s going to get awfully crowded at the line of scrimmage. If teams don’t respect or worry about getting beat by the deep ball, then you’re going to have eight defenders in the box ready to stuff Portis and the running game or blitz Campbell.

We’ve always been of the mindset that if you get a big turnover, then you come out on the next drive and go for the kill shot. Unfortunately it seems like this team has exactly one receiver (Moss, Santana) and one tight end (Chris Cooley) they can count on in the passing game. With Moss being the only legit deep threat, teams simply roll an extra defender to his side and take away the chance for the homerun play. If the ‘Skins don’t get some sort of contributions from Antwaan Randel El, James Thrash, Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly to help take the pressure off of Campbell and Moss, then it’s going to be a long second half of the season.

4. “Who Knew” by Eminem

Who knew that cornerbacks were actually allowed to intercept passes? Who knew that a Redskins defense could actually pick off two passes in the same game? Who knew that DeAngelo Hall, playing in his first game with the ‘Skins, would not only find himself in the defensive rotation, but would jump to second on the team in interceptions?

Sure, Oakland thought it was best for the franchise to release Hall after paying him $8 million for just eight games, but how many times have we seen a player find a new lease on life as soon as the are no longer in the Raiders organization? Hall is just 24 and is a two-time Pro Bowler. In the first quarter of his first game with the Redskins Hall showed why he’s considered a playmaker. He jumped on a Tony Romo pass intended for wide out Terrell Owens and actually came up with the interception. Hall simply being here gives this defense plenty of options and you’ve got to believe that if he reverts back to that Pro Bowl level he’s capable of that the team can officially say goodbye to Springs.

5. “Sad But True” by Metallica

Instead of harping on the negatives, we decided to end this week’s recap on a lighter note. The Philadelphia Eagles tied the Cincinnati Bengals 13-13 yesterday in the NFL’s first tie since 2002. But the best part is that franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb admitted after the game that he didn’t know it could end in a tie. In his post-game press conference McNabb said he thought there would be a second overtime if the score was still tied after one extra session.

“I’ve never been part of a tie,” McNabb said. “I never even knew it was in the rule book. I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately with the rules, we settled with a tie.”

Wow. Just wow.

The ‘Skins might have lost, but at least they know the basic rules of professional football.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

1. “Betterman” by Pearl Jam

One play summarized the night for the Washington Redskins. On the first play of the fourth quarter, defensive end Andre Carter beat his man cleanly and drilled Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Byron Leftwich. The ball popped out, but landed squarely in the hands of backup running back Mewelde Moore, who turned upfield for a 25-yard gain. A couple of benchwarmers getting together to ensure the hometown team goes home unhappy. That’s when you know it’s not your night.

 How many ‘Skins fans would have jumped at the chance to take on the Steelers without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger? And yet, Leftwich steps in and immediately burnt cornerback Fred Smoot for a 50-yard bomb to wide out Nate Washington. That’s the exact moment the game was officially over. Both teams were hit with adversity. One team was able to respond. On this night, the better team won.

2. “Breakdown” by Seether

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked seven times. It’s safe to say, if you can’t keep your quarterback upright, you’re not going to win many football games. Tackle Chris Samuels, back from a knee injury after missing the Detroit Lions game one week earlier, was called for three penalties. Seriously, when the last time the five-time Pro Bowler was called for three penalties in a game? Samuels was clearly not 100 percent and the Steelers were able to take advantage of the situation. When your best offensive lineman is having that kind of trouble, you can guess what was going on with the rest of the line.

On the other side of the line, tackle Jon Jansen looked overmatched for most of the night. At this point, it’s impossible to say who between Jansen and backup tackle Stephon Heyer is the best man for the job. In addition to getting guys like Samuels healthy, the coaching staff should take a long, hard look at the Jansen-Heyer battle and figure out once and for all who gives the Redskins the best chance for victory. Either way, if the Redskins don’t get better production from that tackle position, it’s going to be a rough second half of the season.

3. “Moment of Clarity” by Jay-Z

Steelers punter Mitch Berger punted eight times and averaged just over 36 yards per punt. Unfortunately, Redskins punt returner Antwaan Randle El is utterly incapable of doing anything remotely productive. The former Steeler returned just three of the punts and six yards per return. But we can’t even be disappointed with Randle El against Pittsburgh. He’s averaging 6.3 yards per punt return for the season. To expect anything more from him at this point would be foolish.

We agree that having Santana Moss return punts full time isn’t an option. The risk of injury is too great and Moss is too important in the passing game. But the Redskins absolutely need to invest a draft pick in a Joshua Cribbs kind of player this offseason. Watching Randle El take one step to the left, one step to the right and fall forward every time he fields a punt has become painful.

In his other role, Randle El didn’t fare any better, hauling in three catches for 22 yards.  This season, Randle El has yet to have a 100 yard game. In fact, he’s only had more than 75 yards once all season (against St. Louis). It’s unreasonable to expect either of the rookie receivers — Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas — to magically flip a switch and start bringing something to the table this season, but it’d help everyone else enormously if one of the two of them made a big step forward in time for next season.

For our money though, the game turned once and for all when defensive back Carlos Rogers failed to reel in that interception in the first quarter. Much like the 2005 playoff game in Seattle, Rogers jumped the route, got both hands on the ball with a clear path to the endzone and somehow botched it. Instead of leading 13-3 at home, the Redskins continued to struggle in all facets of the game and just a few plays later watched a blocked punt turn the game once and for all. Momentum snowballed in the Steelers favor from that point on. One play might not win or lose a game, but this one definitely turns out differently if Rogers takes care of business on that play.

Let’s go ahead and curb the “Carlos Rogers is an elite lock-down cornerback” talk until he learns how to intercept a pass consistently. Please and thank you.

4. “Cheating On You” by Franz Ferdinand

At least there weren’t very many Redskins fans in attendance. I mean, otherwise they might have gotten their feelings hurt being letdown by the team’s showing Monday night. It’s a good thing so many of them sold their tickets to Steelers fans … oh wait … no, that’s never a good thing. Seriously, Redskins fans should take it personally that so many other “fans” opted to sell their tickets to Steelers fans. The fact that the home team had to go to a silent count at FedEx Field is utterly embarrassing. If you know someone who sold their ticket to a Steelers fan Monday night please do us all a favor and kick them square in the beanbag. This game was basically a slap in the face to real Redskins fans.

5. “Put It On Me” by Ben Harper

Monday night was a night of streaks coming to a halt. Clinton Portis had rushed for at least 125 yards in five straight games. Not anymore. Jason Campbell hadn’t thrown an interception in 11 months. So much for that. About the only streak left in tact is the presidential election being decided by the ‘Skins final home game. Obama fans such as Phillip Daniels and Fred Smoot could sleep easy knowing that their favorite candidate was a lock for the White House after the Steelers win.

Here’s hoping that the bye week does this tired Redskins team some good. Maybe getting back cornerback Shawn Springs, defensive end Jason Taylor and running back Ladell Betts, plus giving Portis, Santana Moss and friends a breather will help recharge this team and get them back on track in time to take on a flawed Dallas Cowboys team in two weeks.