This is beat writer Rich Campbell's review of the best offensive performances from the Redskins’ 23-3 loss to Baltimore on Saturday.
WR Anthony Armstrong: Armstrong did more than anyone to solidify his roster spot. He proved that he can adjust to throws in midair and make difficult catches. He would have scored a spectacular touchdown if QB Donovan McNabb hadn’t underthrown him deep down the middle in the first quarter. Still, Armstrong adjusted and made a terrific sliding catch. Later, Armstrong reached back to haul in a poorly thrown pass on a slant pattern. In the fourth quarter, he fully extended for a high throw from QB Rex Grossman and held on despite contact. Armstrong showed impressive speed, and his routes were so crisp that he was open all night. It’s probably too early to say he made the team with this performance, but consider how he outperformed his competition.
QB Donovan McNabb: I’m gonna cast aside McNabb’s passing inaccuracy, which certainly was problematic at times, and give him a game ball for how he held up under pressure. The difference between McNabb and what we saw from Jason Campbell last year was like night and day. McNabb sensed pressure several times and moved fluidly away from it without taking his eyes off his receivers. When the Ravens blitzed from the left in the first quarter, McNabb calmly rolled to the right sideline and threw on the run to hit TE Chris Cooley and convert third-and-14. Another difference: McNabb held onto the ball when LB Terrell Suggs got a clean shot on his blindside in the second quarter. Campbell often fumbled that type of play.
WR Santana Moss: Moss’ four catches for 79 yards should help Redskins coaches breathe at least a little bit easier about their offensive arsenal. Moss consistently got open and looked explosive in generating yards after the catch. Two of his receptions came after he lined up in the slot. The Redskins are going to take advantage of his quickness in there.
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