MMQB: Redskins feeling just a little bit lucky

A: We saw a changing of the guard at No. 3 cornerback. Tryon is in, and veteran Fred Smoot is out. And Moore and Jarmon played more than usual.

Veteran defensive players who leave the Redskins rave about the quality of coaching they received, and it’s clear the coaches’ trust in young players has grown and they’re willing to put them on the field in pressure situations. It’s the complete opposite on offense, where Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and Fred Davis continue to be bystanders.

Q: Clinton Portis didn’t practice all week, was a game-time decision and yet carried 25 times for 98 yards. What’s the deal with his injury?

A: This was more proof that Portis, for all his theatrics, is tough as all get-out. He wasn’t getting much help in the form of running lanes, yet he still willed his way to close to 100 yards.

Portis and Zorn look to have found a happy medium when it comes to Portis’ playing time. Ladell Betts has carved out a role on third down, leaving Marcus Mason and Anthony Alridge either to get a rare carry or be inactive.

Q: Just how lucky are the Redskins at this juncture?

A: Extremely fortunate. Their two wins are by a combined five points against two teams that have yet to win.

When the schedule came out, the Redskins had to realize they were handed a five-game gift in Weeks 2-6. Yet they stunk against St. Louis but won. They stunk at Detroit and lost. And they stunk (particularly offensively) against Tampa Bay but won. That’s very good luck.