RUN OFFENSE A
Clinton Portis, who finished strong against the Cowboys, picked up where he left off against the Eagles’ superb run defense and delivered his second straight 100-yard game on the road in the NFC East. The line’s run blocking is immeasurably better with Jon Jansen at right tackle in place of Stephon Heyer. Reserve back Ladell Betts contributed, too.
PASS OFFENSE B-
Jason Campbell missed his first five throws and was smacked around by the blitzing Eagles. But he heated up and was particularly effective in throwing to tight end Chris Cooley (eight catches, 109 yards) as the Eagles took away top target Santana Moss (no catches). Receiver Antwaan Randle El’s option touchdown pass to Cooley was huge.
RUN DEFENSE A
The Redskins clamped down on Brian Westbrook - he gained 22 yards on his first four carries but finished with just 33. Right end Andre Carter, not known as a pass rusher, dropped Westbrook for a 3-yard loss. Linebackers London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh had good days in the absence of ailing teammate Marcus Washington.
PASS DEFENSE A-
Playing without top cornerback Shawn Springs, the pass defense came together after a slow start during which Donovan McNabb hit receivers Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis and Westbrook for completions of 24, 22 and 17 yards. Washington’s zone coverage contained rookie wideout DeSean Jackson (one catch, 8 yards) and frustrated McNabb.
SPECIAL TEAMS C-
Jackson burned Danny Smith’s punt coverage unit for a 68-yard touchdown on which the speedy rookie wasn’t touched. Rock Cartwright ran a kick back for 32 yards but also bobbled one for a touchback. Shaun Suisham produced a big first half, kicking field goals of 41, 48 and 50 yards and keeping the Redskins in the game.
COACHING A
In just his fifth game as a coach, Jim Zorn kept his players together after Washington fell behind 14-0 midway through the first quarter on the road in the NFC East. Zorn’s playcalling and defensive coordinator Greg Blache’s strategy improved as the first half continued. The go-ahead touchdown pass from Randle El to Cooley worked brilliantly.
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