Redskins: Figuring out the hot start

They are the only NFL team to play all of its division road games and the only team to win more than one division game on the road.

Now comes the interesting part for the Washington Redskins: a lighter schedule (combined record of next three opponents: 1-11) but soaring expectations produced by a remarkable 4-1 start that includes wins at Dallas and Philadelphia.

The Redskins are ready for both, though. And they’re not stunned to be in such a situation.

“I’m not going to say I’m surprised or happy,” receiver Santana Moss said Monday at Redskin Park. “It’s something we must do, and it’s something we’re supposed to do. We prepare ourselves week in and week out to go out there and play the way we’ve been playing.”

With contributions from players throughout the roster, the Redskins have shown they’re just as good as the talent in the locker room.

“These have been team victories,” cornerback Fred Smoot said. “There aren’t one or two people you can point to and say, ‘They’re the reasons we won.’”

As the Redskins enter a three-game stretch against 0-4 St. Louis, 1-3 Cleveland and 0-4 Detroit, here are five reasons for their four wins.

Diverse offense

The Redskins are married to the running game and aren’t overly attached to the passing game.

Jason Campbell threw 36 passes for 321 yards against New Orleans. Moss was unstoppable against Dallas (145 receiving yards). And when Moss was held to no catches in Philadelphia, Clinton Portis carried 29 times and Chris Cooley caught eight passes. The Redskins rank fifth in rushing and 17th in passing.

“We have a lot of weapons and a lot of guys who can make plays, and the coaches are really utilizing everybody,” right tackle Jon Jansen said. “Being able to spread the ball around and be dynamic offensively is really the key.”

Moss, Cooley and Antwaan Randle El all have caught at least 21 passes. Only Denver matches that balance.

Reserves emerge

Rookie safety Chris Horton was the first reserve to emerge on the Redskins’ defense, and he eventually earned a starting position. But others have filled in admirably.

Jason Taylor, Shawn Springs and Marcus Washington sat out of the lineup against the Eagles. Demetric Evans, Fred Smoot and H.B. Blades played in their stead.

Story Continues →