For the second time in as many weeks, the Washington Redskins wasted a dominant offensive performance, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, 28-21. Also in keeping with the tradition of the 2005 Redskins, the game came down to the last play.
Passing
Mark Brunell and Santana Moss have obviously established a chemistry that is uncanny. Both Brunell and Moss set career-highs yesterday, including Moss’ 78-yard touchdown off of a screen pass, which is Santana’s longest career TD and ties Brunell’s longest career TD pass.
Brunell’s increasing comfort with Chris Cooley was also evident, as the two hooked up for Cooley’s second touchdown of the season. The Redskins passing game has far exceeded everyone’s expectations so far this year.
4 Quarters
Rushing
Clinton Portis had another outstanding game early, grabbing large chunks of real estate in the first half, before the team found themselves playing catch-up in the second half, forcing them to throw more than they would like.
Rock Cartwright played well in the absence of the injured Ladell Betts, but his fumble in the third quarter was devastating, as Sammy Knight scooped it up and took it 80 yards for the touchdown.
3 Quarters
Defense
The defense was able to contain the Chiefs vaunted rushing attack to under 100 yards (including a paltry 18 yards on 14 carries for Priest Holmes), but once again they gave up a big play, allowing Holmes to take a screen pass 60 yards for what turned out to be the winning score in the fourth quarter.
In the passing game, they were able to hold Trent Green to 181 yards passing, but as is becoming a pattern on the season, they were unable to force any turnovers. The pass rush did improve this week, with Cornelius Griffin recording a sack. Trent Green took a pounding all day, but was able to make enough plays for the win.
3 Quarters
Special Teams
Also held in check all afternoon was Dante Hall. Hall is known as one of the most dangerous return specialists in the league, but the Redskin coverage units maintained their lane discipline and prevented Hall from finding a seam.
Novak had a decent day, converting all of his extra point attempts and placing kick-offs where he needed to, to allow his coverage team to make plays. Derrick Frost also had a good day punting, with 4 attempts for a 41.3 net average.
3 Quarters
The Redskins are showing the signs of being a playoff-caliber team. The mistakes have been the difference these last two weeks. It is nearly impossible to win in this league with a negative turnover ratio, especially in one of the toughest stadiums in all of professional sports. The team has been in every game until the end, and eventually they will limit the mistakes and when they do, look out league.
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