While Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was harassed all day long by the Washington Redskins, Jason Campbell took advantage of the improved play from his offensive line and used his feet to make plays as the Washington Redskins defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 24-17.
Warner was held under 200 yards passing and the Cardinals' offense was held under 20 points for the first time in their last 10 games, dating back to last season.
The Redskins' defense apparently chose to focus their attention on Warner and the Cardinals' passing game, playing a soft defensive front as the Cardinals were able to run the ball effectively. Cardinals running back Edgerrin James compiled 93 yards on only 18 carries, over five yards per carry.
Only one week removed from posting a perfect passer rating, Warner finished with two touchdowns and one interception, completing only 53 percent of his passes. The Redskins' defense was outstanding for most of the day, until standout Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald got beyond their deep safeties for a 62 yard touchdown pass in the third.
But the story of the day was Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell. Finishing the day with 22 completions of 30 attempts for 193 yards and two touchdowns. The stat that is perhaps most critical for Campbell must be the stat not listed: NO INTERCEPTIONS. In fact, Campbell hasn't thrown an interception or lost a fumble this season.
Last week Campbell connected with nine different receivers, and this week he hit seven different targets. Redskins head coach Jim Zorn (who is also the quarterbacks coach and primary play caller) seems to be a good match for Campbell. They took their lumps together in the season opening loss to the defending champion New York Giants and for the week that followed.
But they have rebounded impressively, with Zorn directing the offense to impressive performances two weeks in a row. Perhaps the most indicative statement of this is Zorn's obvious confidence in Campbell and his offensive teammates. This confidence was never more noticeable than on two fourth quarter play calls that effectively ended games in Weeks Two and Three.
Against the New Orleans Saints in Week Two, with just 1:58 left and facing a 4th-and-2 from the Saints' 34 yard line, Zorn called a pass, Campbell to Moss on a slant, victory formation, and game over.
In Week Three, Zorn would show this confidence once again. Following three straight Clinton Portis runs that wound the clock to the two minute warning, on second and seven from the Redskins 31 yard line, Zorn called another pass.
This time, Campbell rolled left and hit tight end Chris Cooley for a 26 yard gain and first down. Good enough for the victory formation once again, and another win for Zorn and his Redskins.
These two plays were not scoring plays, but they were confidence plays. Rather than attempting another running play and being satisfied with a punt, hoping the Redskins' defense could make the stops necessary for the win, Zorn wanted to end the game with his offense on field. In the process, he has thoroughly remade the Redskins' identity.
Their new identity? The Zorn Identity.
23 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Travis Evans 9 months ago
yea dallas here we come
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Now the real tests begin, divisional heavy weight fights, this is all we could ask, at least look like we have a shot at being competitive in our own division, and Zorn and Campbell and company have done that.
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Vinny Gazzara 9 months ago
i think the Skins will go in between 0-8 and 2-6 in divisional games
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
well of cource you do Vinny, I don't make predictions, but you have before, I seem to recall you saying the Skins were gonna be lucky to win the two games the Skins DID win, so I'm NOT concerned with your predictions. But thanks for the thought
And just so you know, they can't finish 0-8 or 2-6 in divisional games, cuz they only play SIX divisional games. This little thing certainly adds credence to your inability to KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
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Vinny Gazzara 9 months ago
yep your right... my fault... i guess i added a team into that or something.... but i bet most people who are not Skins fans believe that the Skins cannot compete in this division.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
There are certainly those that agree with you Vinny, no doubt. But I expect the simple fact that on opening night, when the Skins offense couldn't get out of their own way, they were so bad, and they still had a chance to come back in the fourth quarter against the Giants, would also suggest to most people, unbiased people, that maybe they CAN COMPETE in this division.
Just maybe, we'll see I guess, as long as we keep waking up each day, they will be playing the games, and that's the only way we'll know what they can do.
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
actualy we just beat 2 relly good teams so shut the fuck up
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Vinny Gazzara 9 months ago
Im not so sure the Cardnals count as a "relly good team"...
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
im talking about sean taylor vs the cowboys last year
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
i think we gona keep the streak going and pressure romo and marion hasnt yet had a good game against us
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
While Romo and TO did torch us for FOUR touchdowns last year in Dallas, I don't think they'll do that again, Landry took that personally.
I do think we matchup pretty well against the 'Boys, nobody thought we even any shot of even keeping it close in that game last year, and we almost pulled out a win. It sure is fun, I love Dallas week, it builds from down deep, ya know?
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
yea we lost because it was a first game with taylor noy starting i think that was wen he was injured
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Vinny Gazzara 9 months ago
Jason Taylor played the whole game in week one.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Taylor did start opening night, but he wasn't anywhere near 100%. But that's the way it goes, he won't be playing in Dallas cuz he had an issue with his calf where they had to operate to relieve pressure on the nerves in his foot.
But that's ok, we have depth, it'll be ok.
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
no no no i meant sean taylor last year we they killed us passing
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Yes, that game was the first game without Taylor, when he hurt his knee in the Philly game the week before.
I expect another close game, finishing the deal is the key.
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John Mckinnon 9 months ago
By the way, the Redskins have beaten this same Dallas team 4 out of the last 6 times. For those that don't watch football.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
The Skins have more of a shot at winning this week than they are given credit for, but that's a good thing, maybe the 'Boys will also take them lightly, and make it that much easier. 12 point underdogs I think, nasty huh?
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Tanner Kluth 9 months ago
IIRC, Campbell had his best game last year at Dallas (If not, he still put up over 325 yards). Repeat time? I sure hope.
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Jack Anderson 9 months ago
Exactly Tanner! JC put up great numbers against the Boys last year. He's efficient and doesn't make too many mistakes so if things remain status quo it'll be close.
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
Let's just hope JC can finish the deal this year if he has the chance.
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
yea were gona win hands down
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Travis Evans 9 months ago
yea were gona win hands down
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