Ugly win? It's all a matter of perception

The Redskins are 2-2 4 games into the season. Their wins have come against arguably 2 of the worst teams in the league by a combined total of 5 points. Their losses were by a total of 11 points. It's fair to say it's been an ugly season. Certainly the majority thought Sunday's game was no different but maybe, retrospectively, it is their perceptions that are in fact distorted.

Ladies and gentlemen, these are your Washington Redskins. Quit expecting Super Bowl contenders for it is that mentality that has kept this franchise in the doldrums for the last decade. That same "Snyderrato" mentality that echoes impatience, rejects anything but instant results and fires every bit of progress before its effects can be felt.

Instead of considering Portis done for the year, realize his season-high 98 yards were the difference in the game. Instead of dwelling on close games with the Rams and Lions, be impressed with the defense's response to condemnation and new-found swagger. Instead of mulling over JC's first half, focus on his second half in which he led the offense on 3 scoring drives.

Context is the name of the game people. Here's what to take away from this team one quarter into the season:

#1: This defense is capable of carrying the team when they play like they did Sunday. Three weeks into the season, the fans and media left this defense for dead. They claimed they were overpaid, they couldn't stop anyone on 3rd down, they couldn't put pressure on the QB and they couldn't force big plays or create turnovers. Well "riverboat gambler" Greg Blatche and Co. responded.

On Sunday the Skins D held Tampa Bay to 2 for 13 on 3rd down. They recorded 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and another 4 QB knockdowns. DeAngelo's pick early in the 3rd was the turning point and Horton's fumble recovery in the 4th sealed it. Blatche's "maverick" unit was noticeably faster, hit harder and played more aggressively. Lastly, of the 13 points allowed, 10 came off 2 rare Campbell INTs, but they still managed to hold Tampa to 1 of 3 in the red zone.

#2: Don't put a fork in JZ and the offense just yet. Knowing Snyder and the fans, I'm nothing less than astounded that Zorn never felt pressured to replace JC during or after his first half performance. And it paid off. Campbell rebounded from arguably his worst half of football ever to throw for 160 yards and 2 TDs in the second. That's how you really develop a QB. He connected on big plays with Moss and Cooley, and extended drives with his feet on numerous occasions. Resiliency. That's what a leader does. That's accountability. That's dependability.

Also, Zorn finally called Clinton's number and it paid off. Although his 98 yards on 25 carries won't wow any fantasy owners this weekend, it was the difference on offense. Not only did a banged up Portis churn out 5 1st downs, his runs kept the Bucs D guessing and set up the play-action beautifully on Moss's 59 yard score and several Cooley receptions.

#3: The Redskins aren't a bunch of zombies. The offense and defense visibly played with more emotion on Sunday. The offensive line finally opened up some holes for Portis. The defense hit harder and played faster than it had all year. Young bucks Orakpo and Tryon we're spotted in the backfield taking down Bucs QB Josh Johnson on more than one occasion. Whether it's a back-against-the-wall mentality or simply playing with a chip on their shoulder, the Redskins responded and refused to throw in the towel.

As Moss crossed the goal line following his 59 yard TD reception he put his finger to his lips hushing the crowd at FedEx. He wasn't hushing the boos from fans that simply want their team to succeed. Rather, it was the observers that tuned in expecting Zorn's Skins to raise their white flag only 4 weeks into the season. Guess again.