I didn't have high expectations for Washington this week. I just dearly hoped that they would not be absolutely blown out of the water by the high-powered Cowboys.
Instead, what happened was that the Jim Zorn-led Skins kept pace with Dallas for the first half. Then, in the second half, Jason Campbell, Clinton Portis, and mates consistently drove into Dallas territory to come away with three field goals. Meanwhile, the Skins defense contained Romo, Barber, Witten, and TO, keeping them from any meaningful drives until their last touchdown. It's hard to draw convincing conclusions without the benefit of studying the "NFL Matchup" show's famous coaching tape but it sure seems that defensive coordinator Greg Blache is coming up with all the right game plans. He's even doing it while shorthanded - Jason Taylor was out, Marcus Washington was playing hurt, and corners Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs were sitting on the sidelines during the game. It's still early to call it a masterful job by Blache but the early returns are certainly encouraging. The Horton interception was absolutely a beautifully designed and executed defensive play. Romo never saw it coming.
Now Washington travels to Philly to take on the rejuvenated McNabb and the Eagles at the Linc. Can Zorn handle Jim Johnson's blitz schemes? Will Blache dial up the right defensive plans to contain McNabb and Westbrook (assuming he returns from injury)? The Skins are building up confidence. Let's hope that they can respond if they run into adversity early on next week.
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