Redskins - 27, Broncos - 17: Ladell Betts and Hunter Smith are the Stars!

The Redskins played their best game of the season this afternoon and beat Denver, 27-17. We are now 3-6 and I predict a 6-10 finish. It was nice to see a strong effort, particularly the excellent running by Ladell Betts and inspired blocking by the offensive line.

This picture of Betts is by Gerald Herbert for the AP.

Some observations from the game:

• Brian Orakpo looked really good again, and he even stopped himself from showboating after one excellent play. Could Orakpo could be the defensive anchor for a long time to come?
• To tie the game at 14, the Skins lined up for a field goal and then Hunter Smith stood up and acted like he was going to do a squib punt, then rolled right and threw a gorgeous spiral to Mike Sellers for a touchdown!
• Fred Davis played TE (Cooley's out for the rest of the season); he dropped a couple of passes but Dan Dierdorf was all enthusiastic about his potential.
  

359. If Tucker's theory is right that part of the problem for the Skins is a lack of (or negative) leadership, does Clinton Portis being on the bench for such an inspired effort mean that the team is better off without Portis -- in other words, could Portis be part of the problem? I feel bad saying this because I've been a fan of CP, but he sure has not shown much leadership this year.

Denver has now lost three in a row after starting the season 6-0.

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The Saints beat the Rams today, 28-23. New Orleans is now 9-0 (and St. Louis is 0-9!), but they don't seem to be overwhelming teams, at least not the past few weeks. Drew Brees had 223 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

The Bengals beat the Steelers -- in Pittsburgh, no less -- and are the surprise team of the year at 7-2.