Week 8: Redskins 25, Lions 17

October 27, 10:19 AMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

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(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The Nutshell:
Santana Moss’ 50-yard touchdown reception and 80-yard punt return help Redskins overcome mistake-prone offensive performance/10-6 halftime deficit to win 25-17 and improve to 6-2.

Offense:
How do you describe an offense -- that racks up 250 yards and 14 first downs in the first half versus an opponent, who can only scrape together 95 yards -- yet only produces six points? The five penalties and Jason Campbell’s fumble explain THIS game. However, even when they are not giving the ball away or hurting themselves with penalties, this offense racks up lots of yardage but fails to score touchdowns. In week seven, they more than doubled Cleveland’s first-half offensive output, but failed to score any points. Until they figure out how to score more, get ready for more contests where the scoreboard does not reflect the Redskins’ statistical domination.

Having said that, the offense made plays (big ones) when they needed to, and won the game.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Defense:
Once again “old reliable” kept the game close until the offense found its form. The defense held the Lions to 274 total yards (57 rushing, 223 passing) and pounded Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky. However, they only had one sack to show for it. Orlovsky had plenty of time in the pocket. I give Greg Blache much credit -- he schemes well against his opponent. Perhaps one day, Vinny Cerrato will sign personnel which will allow the defense to mount a more effective and consistent pass rush.

Special Teams:
This unit won the game. The special teams produced 18 of the Redskins 25 points. Moss’ punt return was simply spectacular, considering Devin Thomas nearly knocked him down. Shaun Suisham is turning into a solid kicker. He nailed four field goals, and could have had a fifth, but offensive penalties in the first half kept him at long range.

Individual Performances:

Santana Moss was simply exquisite: 220 yards of total offense, and two touchdowns.

Clinton Portis another game with 120+ yards. He is looking like the “People’s Champ” once again. If he can get 100 against the Steelers next week I say break out the belt.

Still no interceptions for Jason Campbell (a pair of fumbles though), 23 for 28 (82%) including the bomb to Moss, and a 127.4 passer rating. Campbell has come a long way in learning to step up in the pocket to avoid the rush. He knows how to get rid of the ball, and when he does, it turns into big plays.

The offensive line made looked shaky in pass protection, especially Stephon Heyer. I’ll give Jon Jansen benefit of the doubt on the facemask call. On the replay it didn’t look like he was anywhere near the Detroit player’s face.

London Fletcher knows where to be when the defense needs a big stop.

NFL Network video Highlights:

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Up Next: The Pittsburgh Steelers, on Monday Night Football, with the presidential election on the line. 

Odd n Ends:

Dan Steinberg has the lowdown on the Zorn-Portis tempest in a teapot, and the Zorn-Ryan O’Halloran dust up. I was waiting for Zorn to pull a Shelia Dixon/Nikita Khrushchev and bang his show on the lectern.

Portis video via Mr. Irrelevant.