Rocky McIntosh News

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton spikes the football in the end zone after making a touchdown reception as Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall and linebacker Rocky McIntosh walk away in the second half of the Cowboys' 7-6 home victory Sunday.

Here's my recap of the Redskins' best and worst performances from Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Redskins answered by going three-and-out with sacked on third-and-long. On the Falcons ' next drive, MattRyan threw into triple-coverage and Rocky McIntosh intercepted it.

Washington coach Jim Zorn has seemed over his head this year as coach of the Redskins and is not likely to continue after this season.

The goal for every offensive line is to be together long enough to become cohesive, leading to sound pass protection, efficient run blocking and an ability to create consistent scoring opportunities.

The Falcons got the ball to start the game, gained five yards without even running a play -- Albert Haynesworth jumped offsides -- and quickly moved downfield.

I have to admit I was surprised by how smoothly the Redskins' new play-calling procedure seemed to run in the team's 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Brian Westbrook doesn't doubt that he's still among the NFL's best running backs, and he's ready to show that Sunday against Dallas.

The offseason additions of DT Albert Hanyesworth and rookie DE/LB Brian Orakpo have significantly improved the Redskins' pass rush.

The Eagles' head trainer is one of two athletic trainers that serves on an NFL board for concussion research and safety.

The scary moment came early for the Eagles on Monday night, when RB Brian Westbrook sustained a concussion in the first quarter on the team's second drive.

Andre Carter has always been somewhat streaky when it comes to recording sacks. In a 19-game stretch from Dec.

One day this week, shortly before practice, a pair of turkey buzzards perched themselves high on two dying tree limbs overlooking the Redskins practice fields.

Admittedly, he was running behind a new right side of Will Montgomery and Mike Williams and with Stephon Heyer at left tackle for the first time this year, but Clinton Portis gained just 23 yards on 11 carries before leaving with a sprained ankle.

Jim Zorn will take advantage of the extra day of preparation before the Washington Redskins ' next game to make a decision on his starting quarterback.

Brian Orakpo is not used to the grind of an NFL season, and he certainly isn't accustomed to playing the spot he now occupies on the Washington Redskins' defense.

Final observations from the Redskins' 20-17 loss to Carolina: Here's what happened on the five sacks of Jason Campbell: Everette Brown beats left tackle D'Anthony Batiste; Hollis Thomas beats center Casey Rabach, forcing running back Clinton Portis to help on Thomas, which leaves linebacker Jon Beason unblocked; Damione Lewis beats left guard ...

The Washington Redskins had an early lead and something to celebrate. But the joy was short-lived. Pro Bowl left tackle was injured on Clinton Portis' first touchdown a little more than a minute into the game and did not return, leaving Washington with even more of a makeshift - and suspect - offensive line.

Rocky McIntosh collided violently with DeAngelo Williams - scary but only a stinger.

The season and plenty of jobs arguably were on the line Sunday when the Washington Redskins' defense returned to the field with 1:52 remaining, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by three points.