Portis leads Redskins
Game of the day Washington rallies, hand Eagles costly NFC East home loss

BY ROB MAADDI AP Sports Writer

Published: October 6, 2008

PHILADELPHIA — A few of the Washington Redskins were walking off the field, high-fiving, hugging and celebrating another road victory when they looked up at disgruntled fans and gave them another reason to pout.

"There’s a new Beast of the East,” players shouted.

That’s no exaggeration.

Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and one touchdown, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El threw a TD pass and the Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-17 on Sunday.

Washington (4-1) has made it through the first five games under new coach Jim Zorn better than anyone expected. The Redskins went to Dallas last week and handed the Cowboys their first loss, 26-24. They’ve played all three division rivals on the road and their next three opponents — Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis — are a combined 1-11.

And Washington’s offense didn’t commit a turnover for the fifth straight game.

"I think the NFL was trying to throw us to the fire, to get rid of the ‘Skins out of this division,” Portis said. "I think that we play our best football with our backs up against the wall.”

The Eagles (2-3) are close to having to look ahead to next season. They were the only NFC East team to miss the playoffs in 2007, finishing last for the second time in three years. With Donovan McNabb healthy coming into this season, they were hoping to make a run at the Super Bowl. Instead, they’re buried in last place again.

"I was embarrassed the last two weeks,” McNabb said. "Two teams that we should not have lost to.”

DeSean Jackson had a 68-yard punt return for a score, but the Eagles couldn’t generate much on offense. Brian Westbrook, back after missing a game with an ankle injury, had just 84 total yards.

Meanwhile, Portis piled up the yards against the league’s best run defense. The Eagles had allowed just 53.8 per game on the ground.

"Clinton Portis would say this. He doesn’t do all that running by himself,” Zorn said. "Our offensive line, they were coming off the ball, they were really doing a nice job communicating. It wasn’t as though they were playing a real soft defense, either.”

Shaun Suisham kicked three field goals beyond 40 yards, helping the Redskins overcome a 14-0 deficit. Jason Campbell threw for 176 yards.

About the only reason for fans to cheer came at the end of the game, when the Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers to advance to the National League championship series.

"It’s going to be tough for us, but we’re going to continue to fight,” Westbrook said. "We’re not going to quit.”

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