The Philly game started off beautifully and then just turned ugly when McNabb could no longer convert any passes. However, Jim Haslett's bend-but-don't break game plan worked wonderfully, forcing nickel and diming down the field. Yes, LeSean McCoy had a huge game receiving and DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin couldn't get anything deep. Look for other defenses to immediately copy that strategy from here on out. Jackson's and Maclin's fantasy stock will decline while McCoy's and Brent Celek's value goes up.
Regarding the two divisional wins... The Cowboys found a nice rhythm in defeating the Texans. They are sure to be much more fired up facing the Skins in Arlington. The G-Men looked sound defeating the previously undefeated Chicago Bears. Ahmad Bradshaw, in particular, other than his arrogant fumble, was very impressive. The Giants games will be tough matchups for the Redskins.
Counterpoint to the downside of losing to Houston and St. Louis... Houston is an explosive team that will likely be playing in the playoffs. The positive side of that game was seeing all the offense on display. The long Fred Davis play, which failed in Philly because McNabb put too much on it, was a thing of beauty, executed to perfection. St. Louis appears to be rallying behind their rookie QB Bradford. He put together impressive back-to-back games against both the Skins and then the Seahawks. The Rams could notch 7-8 wins this season. It's still a game Washington should have won but instead lost by two touchdowns.
Remainder of the season...
Packers - Aaron Rodgers has plenty of playmakers around him and the Packers are a cut above the Redskins. The Redskins would be lucky to pull this one off, despite being at home.
Colts - Manning, Wayne, Collie, Dallas Clark. The Colts have the second highest scoring offense in the league so far. If conditions are bad at home, it favors the Skins. Otherwise, the defense will be challenged to keep Manning and squad under lockdown. But perhaps like the Houston game, McNabb can lead a shootout win.
Bears - Cutler leading the Martz offense with Urlacher and friends leading the defensive charge. Another tossup. The Bears looked tough in their first three wins but were dominated by the Giants Sunday night with their 10 sacks. Unfortunately for the Skins, they have to travel to Soldier Field.
Lions - Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson are explosive but probably aren't enough by themselves. I'm counting on the Skins to win at Detroit.
Outlook - Likely 1-3 coming out of this stretch. 2-2 would be very good. These aren't easy teams.
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