A win — but consider the source

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HOUSTON -- Mark Brunell misfired only three times in 27 pass attempts, Clinton Portis returned and scored two touchdowns and, after another slow start, the defense did what it should do against a team like the Texans: force the issue.

The Washington Redskins saved their season yesterday at Reliant Stadium with a 31-15 win over the lowly Texans. And you heard it here first: This was one of two games the Monday Morning Quarterback thought were locks for the Redskins this season. No. 2 comes against Tennessee in three weeks.

But don't get too fired up.

These were the Texans, who are only slightly better than the 49ers team the Redskins thumped 52-17 last season. At least Houston fans can't directly blame old friend Charley Casserly anymore; he's living in D.C. and hanging out on "The NFL Today" set instead of watching the Texans' defense get torched.

But for the Redskins, a win is a win is a win.

Q: Start printing the playoff tickets. The Redskins are headed in the right direction, correct?

A: We'll find out Sunday at FedEx Field. If they can find a way to beat Jacksonville, they will be 2-2 heading to Giants Stadium, their House of Horrors since Gibbs Version 2.0 started in 2004.

Every game for the Redskins is a must win until they reach the .500 mark. A loss to the 2-1 Jaguars (who lost at Indianapolis yesterday) would put the Redskins' season back in the toilet.

Q: You have been one of Brunell's main bashers since Week 1 of 2004, so you have to acknowledge that the old man with the old arm and the old legs looked pretty darn good, right?

A: OK, I'll admit he executed the game plan, which called for short passes. It didn't require much pass protection or much accuracy.