Wednesday, September 26, 2007

PASSING OFFENSE: C

The good news for Jason Campbell: The Redskins won, he finished 5 of 10 for 81 yards on third down and completed passes of 35, 49 and 54 yards. The bad news: He threw two interceptions and finished with just 222 yards passing. Antwaan Randle El had a career-high 162 yards receiving.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A

The Redskins rushed 41 times for 191 yards — anything more than 35 carries and it’s usually a ’W’ for teams coached by Joe Gibbs. The 4.7-yard average exceeded Al Saunders’ weekly goal of 4.5 yards per attempt. Clinton Portis (98 yards) and Ladell Betts (59 yards) each carried 17 times.

PASSING DEFENSE: C

The Dolphins completed only 4 of 13 passes on third down, but issues remain for the Redskins secondary. Cornerback Fred Smoot was picked only early, allowing four completions for 34 yards. He later committed a penalty and dropped a sure interception. Andre Carter and Rocky McIntosh had sacks.

RUSHING DEFENSE: A

Miami’s running game was inept: 66 yards on 20 carries. Ronnie Brown was held to a 2.9-yard average. London Fletcher made a team-high 12 tackles in his Redskins debut, and McIntosh made 11 stops. For a team that was 26th against the run last year (137.3 yards per game), yesterday represented a strong start.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Not much to complain about here, especially considering Shaun Suisham made 3 of 3 field goals, including the 39-yard game-winner in overtime. Derrick Frost started with a 64-yard punt and had an average net of 40.0 yards. The Redskins contained Ted Ginn (23.3 yards on kickoffs, 5.0 yards on punts).

COACHING: B

Al Saunders made the right decision down the stretch to rely on Portis and Betts rather than risk a costly error by a pressing Campbell. Now it’s up to Joe Bugel to find a replacement for right tackle Jon Jansen. Joe Gibbs’ call to kick the winning field goal on first down was curious, but it worked out.

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