Redskins.com recaps Sunday's 37-31 overtime loss to the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome:
First Impressions:
#### Revealing Moment:
Plenty of key plays to choose from, but Ladell Betts' critical fumble late in the fourth quarter shifted momentum to the Rams. With 2:11 left in the game, Betts took a handoff and raced into open field. He appeared headed for a game-winning touchdown, but safety Oshiomogho Atogwe caught him and jarred the ball from his grasp, forcing the turnover. The Redskins had chances after that play, but the Rams appeared to ride that momentum shift to the overtime win.
Redskins Play of the Game:
#### Redskins Player of the Game:
His critical fumble aside, Ladell Betts turned in another remarkable performance, rushing for 129 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. He also caught two passes for 35 yards. Betts surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau for the season and tied a franchise record by recording his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
Redskins Unsung Hero:
#### What Went Wrong
-- By air (382 yards) and by ground (197 yards), the Rams shredded the Redskins' defense for 579 yards of total offense. Pro Bowl quarterback Marc Bulger was 25-of-38 for 388 yards, Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson compiled 252 total yards including 150 rushing yards and Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt caught four passes for 54 yards. So what about wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who didn't make the Pro Bowl? He caught nine passes for 150 yards and one touchdown.
-- When Shawn Springs was sidelined in the first quarter with a fractured shoulder blade, Kenny Wright took over and was solid early on. But the Rams' offense targeted Wright and reserve Ade Jimoh, who was pressed into duty in the secondary, and eventually receivers found open space. Sean Taylor and Vernon Fox struggled in coverage and tackling, as it seemed defensive backs were on their heels all game long.
-- Although Andre Carter was able to generate some pressure on Marc Bulger, the Rams' quarterback had plenty of time to find open receivers. The Redskins' pass rush, last in the NFL in sacks, will certainly need to be addressed in the offseason.
-- It was an uneven performance by Jason Campbell, who finished the game 13-of-26 for 160 yards and one touchdown, a 9-yard pass to Chris Cooley late in the first half. He misfired on several passes that could have kept drives alive and he appears to be struggling to establish a rapport with wide receivers.
-- The offense was 4-of-12 on third-down conversions and 1-of-6 in the second half and overtime.
-- The Redskins' special teams coverage units were solid most of the game, with rookie Rocky McIntosh logging two tackles. In regulation, Shaun McDonald had four returns for minus-1 yards, but in overtime he was able to get off a 33-yard run in overtime to set up the Rams' game-winning touchdown.
What Went Right
#### What's Next:
It's a short work week for the Redskins as they prepare to close out the season against the New York Giants on Saturday, Dec. 30, at FedExField. It's a nationally televised game, broadcast on the NFL Network. The Giants still have playoff hopes, so it's a game with some significance.
Stats Geek:
#### Quote:
"I like a seesaw game, things going back and forth. Our running game was making a lot of plays and their passing game was hitting a lot of plays. It was one of those types of games. You hate to end up on the other side of that style of game." -- Jason Campbell
Lasting Impressions:
Have opposing offenses figured out the Redskins' defense? Assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams admitted after the game that he may have to reevaluate his schemes for next season. Meantime, the Redskins' offense struggled to sustain drives in the second half, contributing to the loss. The ground game is at its peak, thanks to a dominating offensive line, but it's clear the Redskins also need a consistent and reliable passing attack to win. One more week of this late-season work in progress, and then the Redskins' offseason begins.
