LANDOVER, Md.—The Washington Redskins did everything except hold a big neon sign to let the world know that a trick play was in the works. The Denver Broncos still couldn’t stop it. Life was so much easier when they were 6-0. Energized by the odd sequence that somehow resulted in a first-half touchdown, the Redskins kept the momentum the rest of the game and beat the Broncos’ 27-17 yesterday, ending Washington’s losing streak at four and extending Denver’s skid to three.

Everyone was beginning to wonder. The Washington Redskins beat Denver 27-17 yesterday, the first time this season the Redskins have surpassed the 17-point barrier. It also was the first time this season the Redskins beat a team with a winning record. All it took was a solid running game, no turnovers, decent blocking by the offensive line and the Redskins’ punter and holder, Hunter Smith, throwing a touchdown off a fake-field goal play.

ASHBURN - Still feeling the effects of a concussion, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was hardly his loquacious self when he met with coach Jim Zorn yesterday and probably will miss this weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos. “I don’t want to rule him out, but it’s very doubtful that he’s going to play,“ Zorn said. Portis left in the first quarter of Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Running back Michael Turner broke off a 30-yard touchdown run to help the Falcons build a 24-3 halftime lead, then finished off Washington with a 58-yard score early in the fourth quarter.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP)—Sherm Lewis might want to go back to bingo. Or, better yet, he might want to apply for a job as the Philadelphia Eagles’ play caller - it’s a much easier job with someone such as DeSean Jackson on your side.

No, really, they could have. The Washington Redskins were overmatched at times against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins were fooled at times, especially on plays to wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson had to leave the game late in the second quarter with a foot problem, probably from outrunning the Redskins on an end-around for a 67-yard touchdown run on the fourth play of the game, and on a 53-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter.

Norv Turner: 1999-2000 (17-12 regular season, 1-1 postseason)
  Terry Robiskie: 2000 (1-2)
  Marty Schottenheimer: 2001 (8-8)
  Steve Spurrier: 2002-03 (12-20)
  Joe Gibbs: 2004-07 (30-34 regular season; 1-2 postseason)
  Jim Zorn: 2008-present (10-12)

Jim Zorn stood alone on the sideline yesterday, his headset off, his arms folded across his chest, hearing the dwindling crowd’s boos and watching the seconds tick away on the latest Washington Redskins loss.

Jim Zorn already has the look of someone playing out the string of his employment. One veteran says he just hopes the coach is around “for the remainder of the year.“ Another is calling out everybody, saying “it starts with the ownership.“ But here’s one more fact that sums up the state of the Washington Redskins: On Sunday, they had a guard playing tackle and a tackle playing guard.

WASHINGTON (2-2)
AT CAROLINA (0-3) Time: 1 p.m. Line: Panthers by 4 On the air: TV—Fox; radio—WXGI (950) Inside slant: Washington deserves to be 0-4 after narrowly escaping a sweep by the wretched Rams, Lions and Bucs. Carolina comes off its season highlight, the bye week. When you dread both teams, take the points.

Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Robert Henson has apologized for calling the team’s fans “dim wits” on his Twitter feed.

If there’s such a thing as a demoralizing win, the Redskins got one yesterday. They couldn’t even score a touchdown over a reputed pushover, and a popular veteran offensive lineman appears done for the season.

Where have we seen this before from the Washington Redskins? Oh yes, last year. Early last year. Late last year. During the middle of last year. And here are the Redskins again, leaving Giants Stadium after absorbing another solid beating. Yes, the Redskins moved within six points in the final minute of the game against the New York Giants. But that was too little, way too late.

Go-to guy Plaxico Burress is gone. All-time leading receiver Amani Toomer was let go. Defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo left to become the coach of the St. Louis Rams. There is a lot missing in the New York Giants’ locker room as they look forward to defending their NFC East title, beginning with the season opener today against the Washington Redskins.

OFFENSE QuarterbackYrs.Ht.Wt. 17 Jason Campbell46-5230
15 Todd Collins146-4223
TailbackYr.Ht.Wt.
26 Clinton Portis75-11221
46 Ladell Betts75-11224
FullbackYr.Ht.Wt.
45 Mike Sellers96-3273
36 Eddie WilliamsR6-1249
Wide receiverYr.Ht.Wt.
89 Santana Moss85-10200
12 Malcom Kelly16-4227
Wide receiverYr.Ht.Wt.