Washington beats Philly 23-17.  4-1 on the season, 2-1 in the division (all on the road) and the next three opponents combine for a record of 1-10.  This is good.  This is very good.

‘Skins beat the Cowboys 26-24.

First, a quick point:

Jim Zorn will go down in history as the only Washington Redskins coach with a perfect regular-season record at Texas Stadium.

After last week’s win against Arizona, the Skins were 2-1 and facing two away games against NFC East opponents: Dallas and Philly.  Two very tough games, ones that many figured the Skins would lose but that was OK.  The NFC East road games would be out of the way and 2-3 Washington would be facing St. Louis and Cleveland at home and then go to Detroit, all three teams very beatable and giving the Skins at a great shot at starting 5-3.  A split over the next two weeks would be even better, putting them 1-2 in the East and setting them up to possibly be 6-2 overall midway through the season.

The latter might still happen, but after beating Dallas last night and Philly showing some questionable playing against Chicago, the Redskins might come out of next week looking very good in the NFC East and overall.

A win in Dallas is huge, especially since it’s only the second one in, what, fifteen years?  And, frankly, because it’s Dallas.

But what’s also huge is the way the Skins played yesterday.  They out played Dallas at all points and held onto the ball.  Jason Campbell hasn’t lost the ball once in 2008.  On top of that, he’s showing some confidence in the pocket, finding his open receivers, and getting a lot of help out of his offensive line and a great running game out of Portis and Betts.

Defensively this is still the Skins D we’ve come to appreciate over the last few years, the D that’s dragged them into the playoffs and kept their hopes alive year in and year out.  If it can stay strong and stay healthy it’ll keep the team in a position for Zorn’s West Coast offensive schemes to settle down and really work with an East Coast team.

This is good.

But it’s not over yet.  Zorn and his system are still new.  Washington’s win against New Orleans came against a team that was beaten up and literally couldn’t handle the heat at FedEx Field.  Yesterday’s win against Dallas, while solid, has to be considered in the context of the rivalry: Dallas could be undefeated and Washington winless and Washington would still give them trouble and vice versa.  But if the Skins can keep playing like the have been, keep time of possession in their favor, work the weak end of the defense, and keep punching the other guys in the mouth, this is going to be a good Skins team.

Next week Washington goes to Philadelphia to take on the 2-2 Eagles.  Philly’s bruised and probably riled up from last night’s loss while Washington’s confident and excited about their potential.  Another great NFC East match-up that could really establish either of these squads.

It’s an exciting time to be a Skins fan.

After 17 years, Green Bay QB Brett Favre is going to retire.

Redskins Offensive Coordinator (for the last two weeks) Jim Zorn has been named Head Coach of your Washington Redskins.

It was a good year, New England, but the Giants just wanted it more.
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After four season, two playoff appearances, and one very emotional year, Joe Gibbs will be retiring (again) as head coach of the Washington Redskins.  Thanks for everything, Coach Gibbs.

OR
Honestly, I’m torn. The politico in me will be keeping a close eye on Iowa’s caucus but the football fan will be wondering how bad Virginia Tech’s getting whooped by Kansas. Honestly, the 2008 Presidential campaign has yet to really inspire me, so maybe my being a fan of UVA will win out. Especially after yesterday’s results.

‘Skins beat Dallas by 21 and are on their way to the playoffs!  If the ‘Skins keep playing the way they’ve played the last few weeks they’re going to be tough to beat.  If Dallas hopes to win in two weeks they have to find their offense.  Here’s hoping they don’t.

Let Tony Romo know his gal Jess is in the stands and watch your team win.  Let’s go, ‘Skins!

Skins safety Sean Taylor died early this morning from a gunshot wound he sustained yesterday.  He was 24.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family, especially his daughter and fiance.  Just tragic.

‘Skins safety Sean Taylor shot in his home Monday morning.  Ouch.  That’s not going to help the defense.