Arrington guessed wrong on gamble

Defensive gambles finally caught up with the Washington Redskins.

After a key tackle was made in each of the first two games on a freelanced play by a Redskins linebacker, LaVar Arrington guessed wrong in Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants and gave up perhaps the biggest play of overtime.

Arrington confirmed yesterday he should have stayed on fullback Jim Finn, who released out of the backfield on first down at the Redskins’ 47. Finn ended up open for a 27-yard reception along the right sideline, setting up the Giants’ winning field goal.

Instead of covering Finn, Arrington went after quarterback Kerry Collins, who got the pass off in time.

“They had been running a play where the fullback comes up and blocks me and the back gets the ball to the left,” Arrington explained. “I thought I had a run-through. … I made an error.”

In the opening win over the New York Jets, Jeremiah Trotter took some liberty with the defensive scheme, got in the backfield on a crucial third-and-1 and tackled LaMont Jordan for a 4-yard loss.

Then, in the Sept. 14 win at Atlanta, Jessie Armstead guessed that quarterback Doug Johnson was running the same play-action fake he used earlier in the game. Armstead left his man and scored a huge sack-safety that gave Washington its first lead.

But Arrington’s gamble didn’t turn out as well.

“Life’s a gamble,” Arrington said. “If I had made the play, ya’ll be sitting here saying, ’What a heck of a read.’ Sometimes you play the hero, sometimes you play the goat. Unfortunately, I messed up.”

Upshaw frustrated

Missing in action through three games is defensive end Regan Upshaw. He was the club’s big offseason addition to the pass rush, which is falling under increased scrutiny with just five sacks in three games.

Yesterday Upshaw, who has only one tackle, admitted he’s angry with himself for not being more productive.

“This week I’ve just got to do more work,” Upshaw said. “Of course I’ve made minute gains. But in order for me to be the player I want to be, I have to get a lot better.”

Upshaw was slated to start at right end when he signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract on the second day of free agency. Instead he was beaten out by veteran Bruce Smith, and his job now is playing left end in passing situations and spelling Smith on the right side.

The frustration, Upshaw made clear, is directed at himself for struggling on the left side and not at coaches for moving him there.

“It’s a pain in the [rear] on a personal level,” Upshaw said. “It’s not any blame toward anybody else. I’m my own worst critic. Right now I’m not achieving my goals so I’ve got to get better.”

Bailey nicked up

Cornerback Champ Bailey sprained his hand and shoulder in the Giants game but team officials said X-rays were negative. All parties expect Bailey to recover for Sunday’s game against New England.

“I’ll fight through it,” Bailey said.

Defensive tackle Jermaine Haley also had X-rays to see if there was new damage to the thumb he fractured in the opener. Although his hand was “real sore,” it was no worse off and he was upbeat about how he adapted to playing with the bulky cast.

“It was kind of hard in the beginning,” Haley said. “But as the game went along, I kind of got used to it.”

Safety Ifeanyi Ohalete, after straining his back Sunday, did some running and said he’s fine. Linebacker Antonio Pierce, who sprained an ankle, is expected to be OK. Cornerback Fred Smoot reported no lingering concerns from Thursday’s concussion.

Wide receiver Taylor Jacobs, who has missed the first three games with a bruised pancreas, is scheduled to meet with doctors today and possibly be cleared to play Sunday.

“I think I’m going to be cleared,” Jacobs said. “We shall see.”

Extra points

The Redskins had the NFL’s No. 1 offense, according to the pre-Monday night statistics. The defense dropped to No. 8. Patrick Ramsey, the No. 3 quarterback by rating (95.1), was the only passer with two 300-yard games. Wide receiver Laveranues Coles continued to lead the league in receiving yards (391).

Coach Steve Spurrier said having the top offense is “probably misleading” because Washington racked up yards the past two games after digging 17- and 18-point deficits. …

When asked Sunday about the two delay-of-game penalties and general offensive confusion, Spurrier replied, “We probably changed too many personnel groupings and all that, guys in motion.” But yesterday he indicated he won’t be scaling back his offense. …

Spurrier twice lamented calling a hitch play on second-and-14 on Washington’s final drive. He was expecting the Giants to be playing deeper. Coles ended up with only a 4-yard gain and Washington settled for a tying field goal.

“Wish we had some better plays called on that last possession,” Spurrier said.