Redskins Upset Jaguars With Jim Haslett's Band of No-Names

by David Elfin

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

Graham Gano was the hero, kicking the 31-yard field goal 2:47 into overtime that upset host Jacksonville 20-17 on Sunday, but the real star of the victory that ended Washington's four-game losing streak was defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.

His defense came into the game ranked last overall, tied for 30th against the pass, 27th against the run and 23rd in scoring. Having already lost star safety LaRon Landry to an Achilles injury six weeks earlier, the defense faced the AFC South-contending Jaguars without Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (groin/hamstring), defensive end Kedric Golston (groin, injured reserve) and safeties Reed Doughty (concussion) and Kareem Moore (knee) lost to injuries in last week's defeat at Dallas.

Cornerback Carlos Rogers added to Haslett's woes by departing in the second quarter with a strained calf. But somehow, the Redskins held the Maurice Jones-Drew-less Jaguars to just 17 points and 78 rushing yards while sacking David Garrard four times and picking him off twice.

The first interception, which Rogers returned 38 yards in the first quarter, set up Rex Grossman's 1-yard touchdown toss to backup tight end Fred Davis. The second made in overtime by Kevin Barnes, a second-year cornerback making his first start at strong safety, set up Gano's game-winner three plays later.

"Kevin played well today," said Redskins defensive captain London Fletcher, who had one of the sacks. "He was forced to play a little bit of nickel, corner and safety. Those guys, they came in and I'm proud of them. We had a lot of guys play a big part in this win today."

Pretty impressive for a defense that at times featured outside linebacker Rob Jackson and nose tackle Joe Joseph -- both up from the practice squad days earlier -- as well as Barnes all playing out of position. Free safety Macho Harris made his first start for the Redskins after being out of football until he was signed on Nov. 23.

"When you play a game like this and the (other) team's playing for a playoff spot and you're playing for pride, you get a chance to see what type of character you have on your football team," said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, whose team improved to 6-9. "You don't want to be in the position we're in, but when you're in this position, you want to see how meaningful these type of games are when there's nothing to play for relative to a playoff spot."

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ladell Betts LeGarrette Blount Brock Bolen Ahmad Bradshaw