Redskins grades

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By David Elfin

RUN OFFENSE A

Clinton Portis turned it on in the fourth quarter (63 yards, 10 carries) to record a third straight 100-yard day for the first time since December 2005. He opened the scoring and then put the Redskins in front with a fourth-quarter touchdown. Backup Ladell Betts ran effectively before spraining a knee in the fourth quarter. Jason Campbell scrambled for 19 yards.

PASS OFFENSE C

Tight end Chris Cooley started the butterfingers brigade with a first-quarter fumble. Then Campbell and center Casey Rabach screwed up an exchange before guard Pete Kendall unwisely caught, then fumbled away, a pass deflected at the line. Kendall's mistake was returned for a touchdown. Campbell was generally sharp but had just two completions over 17 yards.

RUN DEFENSE B

The Redskins kept Steven Jackson in check in the first half (28 yards on 11 carries, plus a fumble), but the Rams' bruiser powered for 38 yards on five carries in the third quarter to keep the visitors on top. Kedric Golston, Chris Horton and London Fletcher were active. A late illegal formation penalty negated a big Marc Bulger run.

PASS DEFENSE C

Though the Redskins limited Bulger to 81 passing yards through three quarters and cornerback Carlos Rogers kept dangerous receiver Torry Holt under control, LaRon Landry and Fletcher dropped potential interceptions. Leigh Torrence's poor coverage in the final minute ultimately cost Washington the victory.

SPECIAL TEAMS D+

Rookie punter Durant Brooks started strong with a 50-yard, no-return punt, but he shanked a 26-yarder to set up Josh Brown's field goal that extended the St. Louis margin to 16-7. Shaun Suisham followed his 38-yard field goal with a kickoff out of bounds. Antwaan Randle El had a lousy day returning punts. Dante Hall had 105 yards combined on four kick and punt returns for the Rams.

COACHING D

The Redskins didn't respond well in their first game as big favorites under Jim Zorn. Their only scoring drive through three quarters lasted just 3 yards. The turnovers were symptomatic of a team that wasn't as crisp as it had been during its four-game tear and left Washington vulnerable to a late mistake making the difference.