That's the ticket...

... and that's the closest thing to a complete game the Redskins have played since Zorn took over back in February of 2008.

• 27 points, the most scored in over 14 months.
• 22 first downs, tied for most on the season.
• 8 of 16 on 3rd down, considerably better than DC's 35.6 season average.
• 174 rushing yards, tops on the season.
• 2 penalties, ZERO turnovers.
• 35:43 time of possession, who's your daddy?

The Redskins, including the 2nd half of the Falcons game, have put together 6 commendable quarters uninterrupted. I believe that qualifies as momentum (perfect timing for Dallas week). And they've done it with the same basic formula that has left fans wondering what took so long to figure out.

Despite a few permissible inaccurate throws, Campbell showed his ability to protect the football and manage the game when given a running attack. Betts and Cartwright filled in nicely for Portis for the second straight week and, again, proved more effective than the alleged star tailback (35 carries, 155 yards).

Newly acquired OT Levi Jones made the Bengals and Lions look foolish for passing on him in the offseason after completely neutralizing NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil. Fred Davis led all receivers with 4 catches for 50 yards and has arguably proved to be the most beneficial 2008 draft pick in Cooley's absence. However, 9 other receivers caught passes on Sunday, demonstrating Campbell's vision and Sherman Lewis's scheme.

On the defensive side of the football the Redskins have regrettably seemed to digress of late, allowing big plays early and often. Sunday was no different as Orton connected with Brandon Marshall on 2 long TD catches. Orton nearly made it 3 had he not overthrown a wide-open Marshall.

But Washington weathered the storm in the second half by continuously hurrying Orton's backup, Chris Simms, into make ill-advised throws leading to 2 turnovers. Doughty, Horton's replacement, led the way with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, but it was Carter and defensive rookie of the year candidate Brian Orakpo who largely disrupted the Denver backfield. The 2 combined for 13 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 6 QB knockdowns. Not a bad day at the office.

Lastly, and most unexpected, was the special teams. Hunter Smith, recruited by Notre Dame to play QB over a decade ago, hit Sellers on a 35-yard bomb for Washington's second score. Despite 2 illegal procedure penalties, Suisham continued his perfect season by connecting on both FG attempts.

Those who have neglected to pay any attention to the Redskins thus far into the season might skim through this recap and wonder, "A balanced offense, a sound defense, and a few big plays on special teams? That's not such an unfathomable blueprint for success."

Those who have followed the 3-6 Redskins would simply reply, "What took so long?"