Redskins Get Things Done And Now Look To Dallas

The game was a must win. With Philadelphia and Dallas staring them in the face the next two weeks, the Washington Redskins had to beat the Arizona Cardinals at home. Easier said than done, but the Skins made it through with a bend but don't break defense and an offense that made sure it finished the job.

Jason Campbell went 22-30 for 193 yards and two touchdown passes and Santana Moss continued his impressive start with the game-winning score and seven catches. Clinton Portis chipped in a touchdown and some hard running while the defense made the most of its opportunities with two takeaways.

The game wasn't the prettiest, but the Skins were able to make all the plays at the right time. They marched to a score on their first drive with Campbell completing all six passes he attempted on the drive.

The Skins defense lucked out when a Cardinal touchdown was called back as Kurt Warner failed to get the snap before the play clock ran out on a fourth and one in Redskin territory. The Skins went up 10-0 with a Shaun Suisham field goal and then the Cardinals added a touchdown on a Warner to Boldin pass, making it 10-7 at the half.

Unlike previous years, the Skins didn't roll over blow it in the second half. They came out slinging as Campbell threw for 123 yards and both his TD passes in the second half. They needed every bit of it too as the Cardinals moved the ball well in the second half.

The Cards' momentum was shot once Leigh Torrence tipped a pass off his helmet into the arms of Carlos Rogers with the score tied at 17. Rogers returned it 42 yards and two plays later Moss took a screen 12 yards to the endzone, giving the Skins the lead for good.

A questionable personal foul call on right tackle Stephon Heyer wiped out a downfield strike to a wide open Devin Thomas on the Skins next drive, but they were able to kill the clock with Portis and a gutsy play action to Chris Cooley.

Jim Zorn has shown a confidence in Campbell that Joe Gibbs never showed. Clinton Portis was largely unused in the second hald until the Skins were looking to kill clock. This move was the right one because Campbell hardly missed a beat for yet another game.

The less work Portis gets now will pay off later as he will be able carry a bigger load as the season goes on. For now, he has been running with some pop and spirit.

Meanwhile the defense struggled to halt the three-headed monster of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquaan Boldin, and Edgerrin James. James rushed for 93 yards and the Cards had 116 yards on the ground while Fitzgerald and Boldin combined for 134 yards and two scores.

The defense must improve up front if they want to compete with Philly and Dallas. They managed only two sacks and applied almost zero pressure throughout the game. Against the run, the Skins failed to win the battle at the line of scrimmage. They failed to wrap up often enough on the first hit and that can't happen against Brian Westbrook and Marion Barber.

In the secondary, there was yet another busted play involving Reed Doughty in pass coverage. Zone defense really doesn't seem to Suit the Skins as they gave up a deep ball to Fitz to tie the score. However, the secondary played decently, but will need improvement for the upcoming stretch.

It was an exciting game and the Skins definitely made strides on offense, but things must tighten up for Dallas. More offensive consistency and a tougher defense will be needed to take on the Cowboys for this divisional showdown. I can't wait!