Redskins Grades

RUSH OFFENSE A-

With Clinton Portis out because of a concussion, Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright ran effectively behind a line that was reshuffled yet again. Betts went over 100 yards for the first time since his second-to-last game in 2006 and also scored the game-winner.

PASS OFFENSE B+

Jason Campbell spread the ball around well, connecting with 10 different targets on his 17 completions. The protection was sterling in the first half. Devin Thomas turned a third-and-3 screen into a crucial 27-yard gain. Backups Malcolm Kelly and Quinton Ganther had 18-yard catches. Todd Yoder scored for the second straight week.

RUSH DEFENSE C-

Rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo and veteran tackle Cornelius Griffin each blew up Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno. Backup tackle Lorenzo Alexander forced a fumble in Washington territory that was recovered by safety Reed Doughty. Moreno averaged 5.4 yards a carry, 4.1 disregarding his 28-yard jaunt.

PASS DEFENSE C+

Carlos Rogers was benched after being burned for a 40-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Brandon Marshall on the fourth play. DeAngelo Hall was the culprit on a 75-yard bomb to Marshall before the first quarter ended. Orakpo broke the team’s rookie record for sacks and knocked Orton out of the game just before halftime.

SPECIAL TEAMS A-

Amazingly, after showing they were going to fake a field goal before calling time, the Redskins still pulled it off for a 35-yard touchdown pass from holder Hunter Smith to the wide-open Mike Sellers. Shaun Suisham remained perfect on his 11th and 12th field goal tries but booted two kickoffs out of bounds. Little happened on returns for either team.

COACHING B

Give Danny Smith credit for the brilliant fake field goal and Jim Zorn credit for sticking with it after the timeout. Zorn and his staff also deserve kudos for keeping the team together after four straight losses, myriad injuries and a quick 7-0 deficit on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache’s secondary looked ugly early but recovered.