Redskins’ 16-point third quarter saves game, possibly season against Bucs
The Redskins found themselves in a familiar situation at halftime, trailing one of the league’s worst teams and on the verge of seeing their season slip away, this time for good. The offense was again struggling to score, this time held scoreless in the first half, and the last 30 minutes could have been as long as Jim Zorn had left in his NFL head coaching career.
But the offense found its way in the nick of time, and Jim Zorn lived to coach another day as Washington edged the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 16-13.
Jason Campbell struggled mightily early but came on late, throwing two touchdowns in the second half to lead the Redskins’ rally. His 59-yard hookup with Santana Moss capped a 16-point third quarter from a re-energized offense, and the defense had a strong second-half showing as well to seal the victory. Campbell bounced back after throwing two interceptions in the first half, and silenced the boo birds for at least one week. He finished 12 of 22 for 170 yards in his worst showing of the season.
Hobbled Clinton Portis suited up and rushed 25 times for 98 yards in a gutsy performance. Tight end Chris Cooley led the team with five catches, but it was Moss’ double-move, catch and run that proved to be the difference. The defense harassed Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Johnson in the first start of his career. After a hot start, Johnson struggled and finished 13 of 22 for 106 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
