Eleven weeks ago, when the Washington Redskins left Lincoln Financial Field after upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles, all was well in burgundy-and-gold land. On Sunday, life was a lot colder for the Redskins and their fans for the final home game of the season at FedEx Field.
That’s what five losses in six games will do for a team’s confidence. The only holiday cheer in Landover was provided by pregame lubrication in the parking lot, green-clad Eagles fans and Santa Claus’ annual halftime appearance.
Even though Tampa Bay cooperated by losing earlier in the day, Washington’s playoff hopes were minuscule. When Atlanta beat Minnesota, it didn’t matter that the Redskins upset the Eagles 10-3.
Q: Only one question really matters: Is Dan Snyder going to fire Jim Zorn?
A: There might have been serious concern about Zorn’s future if the Redskins had lost again Sunday, leaving open the possibility of a losing season and a total free fall from the 6-2 first half. Front office boss Vinny Cerrato’s refusal to endorse Zorn’s return on his Friday radio show only encouraged the speculation. But sweeping the Eagles to guarantee at least a .500 season should ensure Zorn’s return for a second year.
Q: Should Jason Campbell be worried about his future as Washington’s quarterback?
A: Like Zorn, Campbell’s status was shaky coming into Sunday’s game. With Zorn likely to return now, he probably will want to keep working with the quarterback. However, it also might prove tempting to sign a veteran with experience running the West Coast offense.
Q: Was this the final home game for some fan favorites, such as linebacker Marcus Washington and cornerback Shawn Springs?
A: It could have been the last hurrah for both Washington and Springs. Both have missed plenty of games with injuries this year, have expensive contracts for 2009 and will turn 32 and 34, respectively, by next Halloween.
Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, 31, who has played through pain but sat out just two games, is in a similar situation - as is the right side of the offensive line, tackle Jon Jansen and guard Randy Thomas, who both will turn 33 next month. Jansen couldn’t play Sunday because of a sprained left knee. However, signing bonus acceleration will prevent the Redskins from cutting more than a couple of these guys, barring contract renegotiations by sure returners like Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Chris Samuels.
Q: Why in the heck did Zorn let Shaun Suisham try a 54-yard field goal with the game scoreless in the second quarter?
A: Boy, did that decision look stupid. The struggling Suisham had missed five of his past seven attempts beyond 36 yards and also booted two kickoffs out of bounds last week at Cincinnati. Thinking Suisham was going to make a 54-yarder was like thinking the Redskins could make the Super Bowl after coming in here 7-7.
Q: How did defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander wind up in single coverage on dangerous Eagles all-purpose back Brian Westbrook?
A: That breakdown, which produced a 47-yard catch and a pulled hamstring for Alexander, was almost as inexcusable as the 79-yard screen pass to Cedric Benson last week in Cincinnati. Ultimately, that’s on defensive coordinator Greg Blache.
Q: How tough is Portis for playing two days after waking up with back spasms?
A: Portis doesn’t fit the mold of Redskins Hall of Fame bruiser John Riggins, but Portis is still plenty tough, having played with injuries to his knee, neck, ribs and back during the past seven weeks but never missing a game.
Q: The defense kept the high-flying Eagles in check most of the day, while the offense managed a lone field goal other than an 18-yard drive for a touchdown set up by a turnover. How does the offensive offense have four Pro Bowl players while the formidable defense, which came in second in the NFC to Philadelphia’s, has none?
A: Middle linebacker London Fletcher and cornerback Carlos Rogers had Pro Bowl-level seasons, but they don’t have the reputation of Samuels or the numbers of Portis and tight end Chris Cooley. Fullback Mike Sellers got in because he’s usually Portis’ lead blocker.
Q: So what happens in the meaningless finale next week at San Francisco?
A: Perhaps beating the Eagles will provide enough momentum to beat the 49ers, who have won three of four. But whether Washington finishes 9-7 or 8-8 doesn’t matter.
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