Redskins 16, Bucs 10

What an exhilirating win for the Skins. The energy level of the players, especially on defense was incredible. Guys were flying all over the place, getting after the ball.

A quick strike from Portis on his first touch as a Redskin, on the Skins' opening series, and it conjures up the wildest of expectations from any fan. This followed on the heels of a decisive 3-and-out pitched by the defense. However, as many football fans can attest, a dominating quarter can easily fade as the game progresses and momentum shifts. Luckily for the Redskins, the defense played at an outstanding level all game long to keep the Bucs ever from hitting a stride.

Players of the game
Offense: Clinton Portis
Portis is only as successful as the O-line will allow him to be. With Joe Bugel whipping the Dirtbags into shape, Portis was able to run to daylight on his very first play. It's disappointing that the Skins weren't able to continue to pound the rock in good chunks in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but they did drain the clock sufficiently in the fourth quarter.

Defense: Matt Bowen
This is really a reflection of Gregg Williams' ability to put his players in the position to make plays. Bowen's slapping of the ball out of Brad Johnson's hands was a thing of beauty. Fred Smoot deserves honorable mention for his excellent coverage and stout tackles. It's hard to award this to Bowen over Smoot but in the end, Bowen's two sacks and forced fumble were bigger plays.

Special Teams: Tom Tupa
The kickoff coverage was horrendous. Frank Murphy seemingly threatened to take every kickoff back for a touchdown. John Hall would have been the vote had he made the 50-yarder. However, Tupa's fine effort of averaging nearly 50 yard average for 7 punts earns him the nod.