Jason Campbell, as all Redskins' starting quarterbacks have done for years, conducts a group session with the Washington media on Wednesdays. As Campbell grows into the role -- Sunday will be his 15th consecutive start -- he has started to joke about his teammates in public.

Last week, Campbell teased Antwaan Randle El about the receiver's receding hairline, suggesting he needed some Hair Club For Men-type.

Receiver Brandon Lloyd didn't make the trip to New Jersey. After missing a team meeting on Saturday, he was told not to accompany the team north.

Lloyd was benched last December after tossing his helmet during a loss to Atlanta and hasn't started since. Lloyd has just two catches for 14 yards this year and has yet to score during his two seasons in Washington.

No one flinched on draft day day 2006 when the Redskins, having cut LaVar Arrington, traded up with the New York Jets for take linebacker Rocky McIntosh 35th overall. And no one gave the trade much thought last season when McIntosh was a benchwarmer until the final two games.

But this past Sunday, the deal was a topic of discussion in the press box at Giants Stadium since the player the Jets took with one of the picks obtained from the Redskins, quarterback Kellen Clemens, nearly led struggling Gang Green to an upset victory in just his second start.

While McIntosh did sack Clemens once, the quarterback continually picked on him for hefty gains as the linebacker couldn't stay with Jets tight end Chris Baker. Maybe by the time the teams play again in 2011 in Washington, McIntosh will have learned to play pass defense and Clemens will be a well-established passer and the trade can be truly judged.

While Brandon Lloyd declined to comment on his latest fiasco -- missing a team meeting and being told to stay home for last weekend's game in New York -- quarterback Jason Campbell stepped up for his wayward receiver.

"At this level, guys have to take it upon themselves to make sure they're doing things they need to do, make sure they're in the right place at the right time," Campbell said. "You talk to the guy and you encourage him. I don't know the reason behind Brandon missing the meeting. That's between him and coach Gibbs. We're all in this together, it affects all of us. If one guy falls down, you've got to pick him up and try to reach out to him."

Lucky for Lloyd that his quarterback still cares.

One thing can be established since myself and Lindsay Czarniak from NBC4 began engaging in our weekly debates: We're horrible at predicting Redskins games. Even if we get the right team, we're not even close on the margin of victory. But that doesn't mean we'll stop. See Question No. 4.


This week's topics include the ugly win over the Jets, Brandon Lloyd's sleeping habits, how the Redskins graded out in the first half of the season, what the second half will look like and, in the non-NFL bonus question, who wins the NASCAR deal.

1. The Redskins barely beat the Jets on Sunday. On paper, this should have been a game where the Redskins hammered the 1-7 Jets team. Why do the Redskins make things so difficult for themselves? And had they lost, would it have been time to panic?

Ryan: Lindsay was lucky - she was back in D.C. which meant she had the option of turning the channel. Going into the game, I thought the Redskins were the superior team but I picked them only 16-12 because they never blow out a team when they should. As for why they make so tough, where do you want to start? Against the Jets, they had to settle for five field goals, the receivers can't get open, the defense had two 15-yard penalties to keep a drive alive, they couldn't stop the Jets on third down and they couldn't cover a tight end. They were lucky to escape with a win. Had they lost, it would have been the beginning of the end of Joe Gibbs Version 2.0.
Lindsay: Ryan's right, I could change the channel but I couldn't find the remote because I kept throwing it across the room in absolute disbelief. I think they make it tough because it all comes down to identity and coming into this game, the week leading up to it, the questions were about if it is time to give Jason Campbell more chances to throw downfield. I think they picked it up against the Jets once it seemed they committed to the running game and the best thing that came out of a game that I really thought was going to end in disaster was that the Redskins proved to themselves, yet again, that they are a smashmouth-first football team. If they had lost, yes, it would have been panic disguised as disappointment for Halloween. The media room would've been packed to the brim this week because I do think, had they lost, job security would've been the hot topic this week. I don't care how unpredictable the NFL is, the Redskins could not afford to lose to the 1-7 Jets.

2. Brandon Lloyd was told by Joe Gibbs on Friday to take his football, go home and stay there last weekend after late for a meeting or missing a meeting entirely or falling asleep in a meeting or whatever. For a guy who has two catches last year, is this a big deal?

Ryan: In terms of how it hurt the team, it didn't have any impact. Lloyd has no role in the offense, he's the fourth receiver and will likely be passed by Keenan McCardell this week. He remains stuck on zero touchdowns for his Redskins career. There are two reasons it's a big deal. 1. Lloyd has become a polarizing figure. The Redskins gave up two draft picks for him and then handed him $10 million guaranteed. And he's done nothing to earn it. 2. He showed no respect for Gibbs last week by missing the meeting. Gibbs spent the week circling the wagons and preaching focus. Everybody was listening except for Lloyd.
Lindsay: It's a big deal because it becomes a distraction, maybe more for the media who cover the team and are forced to get the answers about the situation. Seriously, though, it's a big deal because, as Ryan said above, he's paid so much and the Redskins had such expectations when giving up two draft picks. The best case scenario is that he communicates to his team and to the coaches (which we will never see) that he "wants" to be a part of this team. I tracked him down at his car this week as he was leaving, after he declined to talk after practice. He rolled down his window and was very cordial as I explained that I wanted to hear his side of the story and that he had to understand that Gibbs has talked about it and therefore, his was the side unexplained. He told me he fell asleep in the locker room, therefore was late to the meeting and was shocked when he was told he wouldn't go with the team to face the Jets. He said he doesn't want to add fuel to the fire and he knows that the topic becomes a distraction but he told me that Gibbs called him into his office and they talked about it and he felt good and wants to focus on playing football. He intends to play this weekend if they let him.

3. At the halfway point, the Redskins are 5-3, exactly where most observers thought they would be because of the schedule. How would you grade the offense, defense, special teams and Joe Gibbs?

Ryan: I had them at 5-3 for the first half so for once, I was actually right. Offense - C minus. When handing out this grade, injuries have to be taken into account. QB Jason Campbell has never played with a full deck (dating back to last year) and because the line isn't protecting as well, he has to throw more dump-off passes. ... Defense - B plus. A great improvement by a group that was 31st in yards allowed last year. They have more takeaways, sacks and touchdowns than all of last year. London Fletcher and LaRon Landry have been big-time upgrades and Sean Taylor is on his way to a Pro Bowl season. But they need to be better on third down and not take stupid penalties. ... Special teams - B. The coverage and return teams are all among the league's top 10 and Shaun Suisham kicked five field goals against the Jets. No real complaints here aside from the kickoff return allowed last week. ... Joe Gibbs - C minus. The second half of the season will define his return to the NFL. The bottom-line decisions fall on his feet. Against the Giants, there were time management problems. Against Arizona, he sat on the lead. And I think his fingerprints are on the offense way too much. If Dick Vermeil is the Redskins' coach, they're 6-2 and maybe 7-1.

Lindsay: I'm covering Ryan's answers again as to not be swayed ... Offense - C. I'm frustrated because, considering growing pains and all, I am very impressed with Jason Campbell's overall performance but I don't understand why there isn't consistency as far as the passing game. And of course its good to see Portis getting his legs, as they say, but I need a couple more games to build trust in this offense. Defense - B plus. I am a huge London Fletcher fan - I think he makes a difference on and off the field. I give Andre Carter the "most improved" award. He is solid at defensive end and I simply think this unit has a world of talent and to come up with more turnovers, sacks and TDs in the first half of this season than all of the last is key. Special teams - B. After Shaun Suisham's five field goal performance last week, Mike Sellers joked that Suisham and his special teams crew are "glorified soccer players." These guys aren't given enough credit. As Derrick Frost said, they're like the "dingy in the bay" of Redskins football. Also loved the block that Lorenzo Alexander had in coverage last week on Rock Cartwright's 80-plus-yard return. Joe Gibbs - C plus. Before last week, I felt the offense was way conservative and I'm not 100 percent sold on the newfound running success after just one game. I would like to see him take more risks offensively. The one thing, both in football and NASCAR that people praise him for is his ability to get through to players. I may bump up my grade on Gibbs if Brandon Lloyd makes a catch this weekend.

4. Prediction time, part I. Do the Redskins put a nail in the Eagles' season by dropping them to 3-6 or does Philadelphia have one last gasp and put the Redskins at .500 heading into another two-game road swing?

Ryan: Redskins 20-17. The defense will be key in this game. Donovan McNabb clearly can't move as well as he used to so it's imperative to get him out of the pocket. In the teams' first meeting, a 20-12 Week 2 win in Philly, the Redskins rushed more than four defenders on 19 drop-backs. They returned to their blitzing ways against the Jets - 26 rushes of more than four defenders. Create some havoc, get a couple interceptions and give the offense a short field.

Lindsay: My crystal ball is a little foggy so I'm using the Windex to predict that Antwaan Randle El will be the first wide receiver to get a touchdown this weekend. However, partly because I get superstitious about jinxing things but I'm worried the Redskins could lose this one by a field goal. I'm looking for the Redskins defense to be the difference maker in this one to pressure McNabb but also to keep Westbrook at bay. Also, considering the family issues Andy Reid has been dealing with all week, his team will have the motivation of playing for him, also playing for redemption against the Monday Night Meltdown in September. Eagles 16-13.

5. Prediction time, part II. What will be the Redskins' record and will they make the playoffs?

Ryan: Right now, the Redskins are seventh in the NFC, one spot out of the playoffs. I'll go with wins over Philadelphia, Buffalo, Chicago and Minnesota. That means they need to steal a win over Dallas (twice), Tampa Bay or the Giants. And they will, mostly because the Cowboys will be resting their regulars in the Week 17 finale. So it will be 10-6 and a first-round game at - surprise, surprise - NFC South winner Tampa Bay.

Lindsay: Sometimes the Windex doesn't work well but here goes - because of how unpredictable this team is, yes they make the playoffs and the record will be 11-5. I go with wins over Dallas (once), Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Giants, Chicago and Minnesota.

6. BONUS: With two races remaining in the NASCAR season, who wins the Nextel/Sprint/T-Mobile/AT&T/Verizon/Samsung Cup?

Ryan: From February until late July, I'm a big follower of the guys-who-turn-left set but once the Redskins start, I don't have time to watch. There are exceptions, of course. On my sporting-events-to-see list is the Saturday night August race in Bristol. I'll predict Jeff Gordon will make up the 30-point deficit on Jimmie Johnson and win the championship. I'll leave it to my much more NASCAR-savvy colleague to explain why ... if she agrees.

Lindsay: Jimmie Johnson is the Tom Brady of NASCAR. If you're driving for Hendrick Motorsports, you play for the Patriots and therefore, until the finale, it could be either of them: Jimmie or Jeff that can clinch the championship, but Jimmie Johnson just won his third race in a row last week, and, consider this Ryan, both guys had and overcame their own "spygate" scandal in the beginning of the season when their crew chiefs were suspended six weeks for cheating. I go with Jimmie because right now, there is nothing going wrong for him and because Jeff Gordon is Peyton Manning with too many commercials and TV appearances.

The second annual El Gaucho Bowl rolls into the second half of the season and it's a close match-up. I hold a three-game lead over Jim Ducibella of the Virginian-Pilot, a lead I intend to hold on to and then collect my winnings when the Redskins travel to Seattle next season with dinner at El Gaucho.

To the picks...

Philadelphia at Redskins
Duce: Philadelphia
Ryan: Redskins. I'm stunned - stunned! - that Duce is going against the good guys ... at home ... off a win ... playing the hated Eagles. Well, I can see that happening. But I think the Redskins defense will create enough havoc to get some takeaways.

Atlanta at Carolina
Duce: Carolina.
Ryan: Carolina. OMV - Old Man Vinny - appears to be back as the Panthers' starter. Carolina's problem is that it's playing at home. They're 4-1 on the road, 0-3 in Charlotte.

Minnesota at Green Bay
Duce: Green Bay.
Ryan: Minnesota. Adrian Peterson will lead the Purple past the hated Packers and put a dent into Green Bay's hopes for NFC home-field advantage.

Denver at Kansas City
Duce: Denver.
Ryan: Kansas City. This game becomes a lock if Patrick Ramsey starts at quarterback for the Broncos. When will the heat be turned up on Mike Shanahan? It's been like a decade since they were in the Super Bowl.

Buffalo at Miami
Duce: Buffalo.
Ryan: Miami. The Dolphins know the deal - this a rare chance to win. Only their home game against the Jets represents a better opportunity to win.

St. Louis at New Orleans
Duce: New Orleans.
Ryan: New Orleans. I was one of my many who put a fork into the Saints when they started 0-4, couldn't stop anybody and lost RB Deuce McAllister for the season. But now I make them the NFC South favorites.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Duce: Pittsburgh.
Ryan: Pittsburgh. The Steelers, I'm told, looked ultra impressive in routing the overrated Ravens on Monday night. The Steelers-Patriots match up later in the season will be intriguing.

Jacksonville at Tennessee
Duce: Tennessee
Ryan: Tennessee. Vince Young vs. Quin Gray. It doesn't get any better in terms of quarterback play.

Cincinnati at Baltimore
Duce: Baltimore
Ryan: Cincinnati. Some say the Ravens are a disappointment. I expected them to struggle because they still haven't figured out how to score with any consistency.

Detroit at Arizona
Duce: Arizona
Ryan: Arizona. Trap game for the Lions. They're feeling pretty good about themselves right now. The last time they felt that way, they got hammered by the Redskins, 34-3.

Dallas at NY Giants
Duce: Giants
Ryan: Dallas. Game of the week. The Cowboys are playing a second consecutive NFC East road game (which is why the Giants are the slight favorites). Dallas takes control of the division with a win.

Chicago at Oakland
Duce: Chicago
Ryan: Chicago. Lane Kiffin vows he will kick to Devin Hester. Like the attitude of the Raiders coach. Trust your players to make plays.

Indianapolis at San Diego
Duce: San Diego
Ryan: Indianapolis. Not exactly a scheduling favor done by the NFL to the Colts - home against the Patriots, at Chargers. But the Colts will want to avoid a losing streak and risk falling behind Pittsburgh for the No. 2 seed.

San Francisco at Seattle
Duce: Seattle
Ryan: Seattle. Don't care.

Records
Duce: 10-4 last week, 83-45 overall
Ryan: 10-4 last week, 86-42

When the Redskins won 20-12 in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, backup tight end Todd Yoder hit Brian Dawkins so hard on an 18-yard catch that set up Clinton Portis' fourth quarter touchdown that the Eagles' perennial Pro Bowl safety was sidelined for six weeks with a neck injury

"I was running and weaving through the defense and I saw this flash coming out of nowhere at the last second," Yoder said. "I lowered my shoulder. He hit me in the midsection and knocked the wind out of me. It scared me at first because that was the week after [Buffalo tight end] Kevin Everett [was temporarily paralyzed from a hit]. I was like, 'I don't want nobody to get hurt like that.' But once I knew he was OK, I was fine with it."

Not that Yoder plans to seek out Dawkins in pregame warmups when the Eagles visit for the rematch on Sunday.

*It wasn't a normal Eagles-Redskins parking lot atmosphere. The number of Philadelphia fans was lower than in previous years when the Eagles were at the top of the NFC East. The most interesting site of the morning was a Redskins fan decked in a vintage coaches sweater (the one Joe Gibbs wore for the Super Bowl win over Denver) zooming around in a motorized cooler. And it even had a cup holder.

*Sean The Philadelphia Fan (and long-time friend of Seen & Heard) called an hour before kickoff. He said, "Go Eagles … lose today." … Sean added, "I want the losing to continue, the re-building to begin. I want to be in a position to draft Darren McFadden in the draft. And I want enough money available to sign Max Starks."

*Did somebody tell the people holding tickets in the upper deck that the game was cancelled? Moments before kickoff, there were rows of empty seats upstairs, more than at any time in the last few years. Maybe people have finally decided, "This stadium is a wretched fan experience, I'll watch the NFL Sunday Ticket – in High-Definition – at home."

*Monty Fever is catching on. A favorite of at least three Redskins beat guys – he goes by Ol' Monty to us – there was a No. 94 burgundy Anthony Montgomery jersey in the lower bowl. Probably a family member, but it’s progress nonetheless.

Safety Sean Taylor, arguably the Redskins' best player, is expected to miss at least the next two games -- at division leaders Dallas and Tampa Bay -- with a sprained right knee.

A vast majority of the starters didn't attend the mandatory open locker room session today, the day after the Redskins blew another fourth-quarter lead and lost to the Eagles 36-25.

Strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington, who didn't play because of an ailing hamstring, noticed that he was one of the few starters who made themselves available.

"It's very tough," Washington said about having to answer the negative questions the day after a defeat. "A lot of people don't even come in here."

Before his weekly Tuesday sitdown with Joe Gibbs, Redskins play-by-play man Larry Michael verbally sparred with sideline reporter Bram Weinstein over the negative tenor of Gibbs' Monday press conference.

"Does anyone in the [press] room have a high football IQ?" Michael mused, noting that none of the media had played football in college or the pros.

Weinstein, rightly, shot back that by using Michael's theory, the media couldn't cover the Iraq war.

As for me, I'll be happy to put my football IQ up against Michael's anytime after covering the game since high school, covering the league and/or the Redskins for most of the last 19 seasons, having served as President of the Pro Football Writers of America and serving as one fewer than 50 selectors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Don't look for Santana Moss on Sunday in Dallas. Washington's ailing receiver didn't even stick around for practice today. The Redskins just got started and Moss and his badly bruised heel just got in his car and headed out of Redskin Park.

Hmmm. ... A mobile shredder unit just pulled out of here as well. Wonder if they were taking last week's gameplan?

Brandon Lloyd's Washington Redskins career probably came to an end today on the last play of practice when he sustained a fractured right clavicle.

The recovery time is six weeks and it's likely Lloyd will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

For those of you scoring at home, let's review the predictions made by myself and Lindsay Czarniak of NBC 4 last week.

Me: Redskins over Philadelphia, Jeff Gordon over Jimmie Johnson.

Her: Philadelphia over Redskins, Jimmie Johnson over Jeff Gordon.

Well, the Redskins blow a 9-point lead and lose to the Eagles and Johnson won his fourth consecutive NASCAR race and Gordon concedes the points title.

But this week we're in agreement: The Redskins will lose to Dallas. In our weekly shoot-the-bull session, we also talk about Sean Taylor's absence, Joe Gibbs' game management, Clinton Portis' costumes, Brandon Lloyd's injury and throw in a little music. Lindsay fires first and I respond to her views.

1. Not only did the Redskins lose to Philadelphia last week, they also lost safety Sean Taylor for at least a few games with a knee injury. How important is his absence and how might it effect Gregg Williams' play calling?

Lindsay: It's like Superman knowing that the field he's going to play on doesn't have any kryptonite. This couldn't have happened at a worse time. The Cowboys have the second-best offense in the NFL and are third in the league in pass offense. That being said, I think we've seen enough of LaRon Landry in the past couple weeks to know that he is extremely aggressive as a blitzer, but now that Taylor is off the field, the Cowboys know they can have more success downfield. Williams said early this week that he will rotate guys to avoid Dallas' offense from getting keyed in on specific players in certain situations.

Ryan: I'm not positive, but that may be Lindsay's second Superman reference this month so we know now what her superhero preferences are. Agreed, this isn't the ideal time to lose your best defensive back. Taylor's absence limits Williams' options with his pressure packages. Once Taylor left the game last week (late third quarter), the Redskins sent more than four rushers just once. I expect the Redskins to play a Cover 2 shell with Landry and Pierson Prioleau that will give the corners double-team help on Owens and the linebackers assistance with Witten. As for Landry, his days of blitzing like he did against the Jets (12 times) are done -- he's needed downfield. Williams still has to send some pressure since the front four hasn't been getting as much penetration as they did a month ago.

2. Joe Gibbs was put under the microscope during his Monday press conference about his timeout management and also the play-calling during the Redskins' goal-to-go debacle in the fourth quarter. What was your take on Gibbs' timeout strategy and Al Saunders' decision to call a Clinton Portis run on third-and-goal from the Eagles 7?

Lindsay: Man, that was a grilling Coach Gibbs got on Monday. I think it is one of the issues that cost the Redskins the game. Using all their timeouts with more than eight minutes remaining left them vulnerable when they could've used the time to get the ball back. I still do not see the merit in running the ball on third-and-goal from the 7. I think you need to do whatever gives you the best opportunity to get into the end zone and the play was frustrating to watch at that point because it seemed less likely to pan out.

Ryan: As somebody partly responsible for the grilling, it was interesting to see Joe's reaction when he was put in the cross-hairs. After Mike Sellers was stopped (and no, it wasn't a bad spot, Joe -- he was clearly short), I would have taken the delay of game penalty instead of using a precious timeout. It was a case of total mismanagement. And it's not the first time this season Joe has wasted timeouts. Now, the third-and-goal play from the 7 in the fourth quarter. A touchdown and the lead is nine points and we're talking about a 6-3 Redskins team. Joe said the play was designed for soft coverage. When the Eagles broke the huddle, myself and Times columnist Dan Daly looked at their front and predicted a quarterback draw by Jason Campbell. But then the Eagles showed blitz (six players at the line). At this point, a running play is the wrong call. Joe said on Monday that Campbell had the option of switching to a pass play. A veteran offensive player told me that Campbell doesn't have such an option. The original play call should have been something to Cooley.

3. In the last two games, the Redskins have run it 84 times and passed it 57 times. Not very balanced. Does this need to change for the offense to be more consistent?

Lindsay: Yes, however, I don't think this is the time to be working on growing the confidence of the passing game. I was pleased with how Jason opened up the passing game but I think you make sure you can stay consistent in the production you are having. I would take the three touchdown passes and be happy that they're favoring the running game. Most importantly, though, I am confused because I know they want to be "balanced" but a lot of the players talk about how the identity of this team is the run.

Ryan: I agree with Lindsay. The percentage is a little out of whack because it was clear the Jets couldn't stop the run. In any given game, the Redskins should do what's working. If that means run it 48 times like they did against the Jets, so be it. But my biggest issue with this "balance" hogwash that Lindsay and I hear every week in the locker room is that it doesn't mean anything if a team is consistently inconsistent. This is where I put the focus back on Gibbs. He doesn't call the plays but he has to take his hands off the game plan when the Redskins get inside the 20-yard line. Let Campbell win a game. Let Al Saunders use his entire game plan.

4. Clinton Portis has two consecutive 100-yard games for the first time since the end of 2005. And now, at least last week, the Costumes of Clinton have returned. Has his game returned to form? And are you a fan of his Thursday shtick?

Lindsay: I definitely think he's hit his stride but I want to see him keep it up the next couple weeks because the Jets have the worst rushing defense in the league and while I don't think that was a fluke, I want to see him want to carry this team on a winning streak. That's why I love the costumes. I generally would be really irritated by it because I really believe in the “team” philosophy and that's why teams such as the Patriots are so annoyingly good. But Clinton knows that this doesn't just keep it light for him, it's for his teammates. Last Wednesday, the big story was Brandon Lloyd but on Thursday, because of Clinton dressing as a geisha-dancer-whatchamacallit the Lloyd issue was swept under the rug.

Ryan: I'm withholding judgement on whether Clinton is back to his 2005 form for another two weeks. If he can keep handling a giant load (66 carries the last two weeks), then he'll earn his way back to the Redskins in 2008. He hit the hole great against the Eagles and looked even more quickness than against the Jets. As for the costumes. it's fine. Some media members were figuratively drooling when Clinton came out as "Choo-Choo" last week. I find it amusing and it merits a description in the paper. Somebody that plays as hard as Clinton does -- readers, if you TiVo or DVR Redskins games, watch Portis when he doesn't have the football (it's impressive) -- can do what he wants.

5. Redskins receiver Brandon Lloyd broke his collar bone late in Wednesday's practice. He's out for six weeks and probably done for the year. Do you see him returning to the Redskins 2008 under any circumstances? And where the Lloyd trade rank among Joe Gibbs' worst personnel moves since he returned to the team in 2004?

Lindsay: Even though when asked recently he said he wanted to be back, I don't see it happening. It's disappointing that the timing of this is just after he was forced to miss the Jets game because he fell asleep in the locker room and was late to a meeting. Even though both sides smoothed things over, that's what lingers. He was given more looks last week and even though none resulted in anything, the Redskins needed him with Moss questionable and Thrash out. As far as personnel moves, I see it as a close comparison to Archuleta but with Lloyd, it seems much more of an attitude issue than a scheme fitting problem.

Ryan: As one scout told me last week, "maybe Lloyd is one of those guys that gets his money and that's it." He got his money and has done nothing to earn it. The injury is unfortunate but even if he had stayed healthy and maybe even caught a touchdown, I doubt he would have been back in 2008. The only reason he's back this year is that the Redskins chose to eat Archuleta's cap number instead of Lloyd's. He won't be back, period. As for where it ranks in Gibbs' personnel blunders, it's on the list ... and it's a long list. My list (in no order): Trading two picks for T.J. Duckett, trading two picks for Lloyd, trading a Hall of Fame corner AND a second-round pick for Clinton Portis, trading a third-round pick for Mark Brunell even though he was going to be released less than a month later, not re-signing Antonio Pierce, not re-signing Ryan Clark and, of course, the Archuleta Debacle.

6. For the second time in a month, the Redskins are double-digit road underdogs (10.5). Both of you will be in Big D Sunday afternoon. Do the Redskins have a shot or could this be a repeat of New England? Who wins and what's the score?

Lindsay: Even though I expect that the focus of “back to the basics” will yield some good results, I am very worried about the secondary against T.O. and the Cowboys offense. I know LaRon Landry and Pierson Prioleau will be ready, but I think ultimately, it's going to be a battle that the Redskins offense has to take charge of with Sean Taylor out. I will not be surprised if the Redskins can keep it close but I do think it will be the supremely confident 8-1 Cowboys that prevail by at least a touchdown. Cowboys win 24-17.

Ryan: I would be stunned if the Redskins win. A loss would make next week's game at Tampa Bay a win-to-save-the-season contest. I think the Redskins' offense has a chance to move down the field because their strength (throwing quick passes) is what the Cowboys had trouble with at New York last week. Roy Williams is so bad in coverage, he would have trouble covering myself and Lindsay. Translation: The game plan should revolve around Chris Cooley. But like the New England game, I just don't think the Redskins have firepower to match the Cowboys. Dallas wins 35-20.

BONUS 7. The Danny Snyder-owned American Music Awards are Sunday night. If you two had to choose a song (or more than one) to sum up the first nine games, what would it be and why?

Lindsay: Do you think Tom and Katie will be at the show? I'm picking one of my favorite country songs ever: "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. I want to see the Redskins and Joe Gibbs roll the dice a little and for him to allow Al Saunders to continue to open up the offense. Summing up the first nine games, I'm choosing the Eagles' "Take it to the Limit" because the Redskins seem to push it to the end even when they end up in the with the win. For my optimistic crystal ball prediction, I'm choosing the Rolling Stones "Start Me Up" in hopes that last week was an indication of things to come from the passing game.

Ryan: TomKat may need to be in Dallas to console The Danny after the game. For the first nine games, I'll pick U2's "Mysterious Ways" -- lot of mystery decisions made by the head coach; for Campbell, I'll go with Johnny Cash's "Get Rhythm" -- Campbell has to be trusted to find a consistent rhythm; I chose Oasis' "Cast No Shadow" for Gibbs -- let the people you hired (Saunders) do their jobs; and, finally, Bruce Springsteen's "Countin' On A Miracle" -- the Redskins postseason hopes at this point due to the schedule and injuries.

Ryan O'Halloran will be a guest on the John Thompson Show on SportsTalk 980-AM today at 1:30 p.m.

I'm going to be generous and accept Redskins announcer Larry Michael's apology for questioning the ability of the press corps to cover the team since none of us ever played in the NFL.

Michael's continued use of the word "moron" in connection with us remains offensive, but he can't help himself in continuing to question our daring to question coach Joe Gibbs. As the Hall of Fame coach said, that's part of the job.

Redskins receiver Santana Moss, out since bruising his right heel late in the New York Jets game 12 days ago, returned to practice today at Redskin Park.

Wearing a shoe that was altered to limit the discomfort, Moss said he will play Sunday in Dallas. The Redskins are already without receivers James Thrash (out with a high ankle sprain) and Brandon Lloyd (placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone) so Moss' return is good news for the 10.5-point underdogs.

"It was cold out there but once I got warmed up, I ran around pretty good," Moss said outside the Redskins' weight room. "I know it's going to be bruised and it will take time and there will be soreness but it felt good enough to run on it.

"From doing what I did today, I should play."

Moss is listed as probable. Pete Kendall (ankle), Marcus Washington (hamstring) and Fred Smoot (hamstring) also practiced and are probable.

Ten weeks and 148 games into the El Gaucho Bowl and myself and Jim Ducibella of the Virginian-Pilot are right where we started -- tied.

Duce is showing that the old dog still has some tricks in his holster, pulling off 19 wins over the last two weeks to catch me. Among his winners last week were San Diego and road teams Philadelphia, Denver and Buffalo.

Before jetting to Big D for tomorrow's Redskins-Cowboys game, here are this week's picks:

Redskins at Dallas
Duce: Dallas
Ryan: Dallas. Even if the Redskins were totally healthy, this isn't a good match-up. The best fans can hope for is a game that's closer than the New England fiasco last month.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Duce: Tampa Bay
Ryan: Atlanta. It's possible the NFC South champion will have an 8-8 record.

Cleveland at Baltimore
Duce: Baltimore
Ryan: Cleveland. The Ravens are a home underdog to the Browns. I know more Cleveland fans than Baltimore fans so I go with the Brownies.

New England at Buffalo
Duce: New England
Ryan: New England. Next?

Arizona at Cincinnati
Duce: Cincinnati
Ryan: Arizona. The Bengals are just stupid enough to overlook Arizona.

Carolina at Green Bay
Duce: Green Bay
Ryan: Green Bay. It seems like Green Bay plays at home every single week.

New Orleans at Houston
Duce: Houston
Ryan: Houston. The Saints are Team Streak – four losses, four wins and now, two losses.

Kansas City at Indianapolis
Duce: Indianapolis
Ryan: Indianapolis. Freeney's injury makes Pittsburgh the second-best team in the AFC.

San Diego at Jacksonville
Duce: Jacksonville
Ryan: San Diego. No real reason for this pick – and it's not a show of faith in Norv.

Oakland at Minnesota
Duce: Minnesota
Ryan: Oakland. The Vikings stink. Period. Fire Brad Childress. Now.

Pittsburgh at NY Jets
Duce: Pittsburgh
Ryan: Pittsburgh. The Steelers go to New England in Week 14 and will return for the AFC title game.

Miami at Philadelphia
Duce: Philadelphia
Ryan: Philadelphia. The Eagles were done early in the fourth quarter last week. Now they'll be tied with the Redskins at 5-5.

NY Giants at Detroit
Duce: Detroit
Ryan: Detroit. The Lions win and the Giants go in the toilet.

St. Louis at San Francisco
Duce: St. Louis
Ryan: San Francisco. Trent Dilfer gives the dormant 49ers offense a lift.

Chicago at Seattle
Duce: Seattle
Ryan: Seattle. Rex returns for the Bears = big-time edge to Seahawks.

Tennessee at Denver
Duce: Denver
Ryan: Tennessee. A non-appealing Monday night game. So what else is new?

Records
Duce: 9-5 last week, 92-50 overall
Ryan: 6-8 last week, 92-50 overall

So I'm waiting for the rental car shuttle at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport with two people who had been on my flight from Dulles, an attractive, young woman and a muscular 30-year-old with a tattoo. We start talking and it turns out that she's Chris Samuels' girlfriend and he's Pat Fischer's son. The Redskins: they're everywhere.

Greetings from Texas Stadium, where the Cowboys and Redskins play in less than an hour.

The pregame scuttlebutt, however brief, centered on a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen that several Redskins players were upset at owner Dan Snyder after they were shorted of game tickets.

Moments ago, Redskins PR chief Chris Helein said the report was wrong and that all of the players requests were met.

As usual in Dallas, most of Snyder's ownership group attends the game, snapping up a lot of the parking passes ear-marked for the D.C. media. Also at the team hotel last night, several off-the-field personnel were bumped to a spill-over hotel in suburban Dallas.

Our guy Santo at the Elias Sports Bureau got back to me earlier today about the rarity of Terrell Owens' game Sunday against the Redskins.

Owens accounted for each of his team's four touchdowns.

The last time that happened (minimum four TDs) was Mark Ingram for Miami against the New York Jets on Nov. 27, 1994. Many running backs have done it since, including LaDainian Tomlinson (Oct. 14) and Jamal Lewis (Nov. 4) this season.

Owens' touchdowns went for 4, 31, 46 and 52 yards. According to columnist Dan Daly, Ingram's touchdowns went for 10, 17, 28 and 8 yards in the Dolphins' 28-24 win. The last touchdown was on the famous Dan Marino-fake-spike play that won the game with 22 seconds remaining and started the end of Pete Carroll's one-year tour with the Jets.

The TV types asked seemingly every Redskin in sight today for their favorite Thanksgiving memory.

"My memories are probably the same one for 20 years," said coach Joe Gibbs. "Eating
over at [veteran assistant coach] Don Breaux's or my house and seeing Don go to sleep. That's a pitiful thing to take a look at, but that's what's going to happen tomorrow. That's normally what I do on Thanksgiving."

I couldn't help but chuckle when I ran into Brian Kozlowski as I walked down the stairs to practice at Redskin Park today. The Koz has been a favorite in the press room since he first came to Washington in 2004. Koz re-signed the next offseason and returned again last November after Clinton Portis was lost for the year. I thought that we had seen the last of the 37-year-old Koz since Mark Brunell is no longer the starting quarterback and wouldn't need his pal around. But if Mike Sellers' ailing back doesn't feel better by Saturday, the Koz will be on the plane to Tampa as a Redskin yet again.

First, Jimmy Farris. Now, the Koz. Who's next from 2005? Antonio Brown?

Here's my weekly showdown with Lindsay Czarniak of NBC 4 as the Redskins head to Tampa Bay Sunday for the fourth time in three seasons:

1. In what should come as no surprise, Lindsay was right with last week's prediction - a close Dallas victory while Ryan had the Cowboys rolling. In the 28-23 loss, why couldn't the Redskins keep Terrell Owens in check?

Ryan: The Sean Taylor Contract Extension Campaign got off to a rousing start Sunday in Big D. Taylor's knee injury kept him out and his absence was noticeable. Second-year safety Reed Doughty and rookie safety LaRon Landry both had their struggles. But they weren't alone in being unable to contain Owens. Shawn Springs struggled in a couple of situations, Pierson Prioleau missed a key tackle and London Fletcher got turned around on the third touchdown. The only nitpick in what was called coverage wise was having Fletcher cover deep middle against Owens. A mismatch.

Lindsay: Maybe I should've gone into weather (just kidding). The reason Terrell Owens plowed over them was because of the lack of Sean Taylor. Once T.O. knew he didn't have to account for the fear of being obliterated every time he came into No. 21's sights, his confidence grew like a bean-stock. I think the learning curve, or maybe better said "growing pains," were obvious with the younger guys like Reed Doughty getting a chance to start, and like Ryan says, missed tackles and mental mistakes got them good. Also, the Tony Romo factor. Fred Smoot says Romo is the best "backyard quarterback" he's ever seen. He waited patiently for things to open up for him (because he has the line to do that) and therefore, Owens became a perfect target.

2. Santana Moss came off a heel injury to catch a season-high nine passes and his first touchdown of the year. Were you surprised by his production considering his health issues?

Ryan: I was definitely surprised. Even when he was healthy this year, Moss wasn't doing much, certainly not producing like he and everybody else envisioned. It took him a half to get his legs back, and he had all nine of his catches (121 yards) in the second half. It's clear how differently defenses play when Moss is being productive. That opened things up for Randle El and Cooley and even McCardell. Moss vs. Ronde Barber on Sunday will be a good matchup.

Lindsay: A little bit but I also think that once he knew he could go full bore on the heel without any negative consequences, it became more of a non-issue for him. That one-handed catch was one of the prettiest catches I've seen all year.

3. Jason Campbell had his best statistical game against Dallas (33 for 54, 348 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception). He's out-played a bunch of veteran quarterbacks. What's the thing that sticks out about No. 17 in the last few games?

Ryan: Had Campbell completed the Redskins' comeback, it would have been the signature win of his young starting career. Each week, with exceptions of course, Campbell's development is evident. His pocket presence (feeling the back-side rush) is impressive, he can run the no huddle, he doesn't get rattled in a two-minute situation and he's getting more accurate. He'll still make mistakes but the Redskins are getting what they envisioned when they traded up to draft him in 2005.

Lindsay: I think I sound like a broken record when I say this but here goes again. I'm impressed with his presence in the pocket, how he takes the hits, gets right back up and doesn't waiver. Obviously, I like his mobility and to me, he seems fearless. I also have to say that there is something about his leadership presence that I like. He has a quiet confidence about him that I know makes his teammates say safe. I've heard a lot of them say that and that's just not always the case. Obviously, he'll take his lumps, but so far, I like that he's learning from his mistakes.

4. Two questions from the comments section, in condensed form: A) Why have the Redskins during Gibbs' four seasons seem to be poor at making halftime adjustments, a strong suit during Gibbs' first tenure? B) If the Redskins finish 9-7, does Gibbs come back? If they finish worse, would be fired/asked to retire?

Ryan: A) The Redskins have lost 14 games the last three-plus seasons when they've led at halftime. Joe didn't lose that many games combined during his first stay (1981-92). Some of the blown leads have been misleading (they led the Colts at halftime last year), others have been downright inexcusable - Oakland in 2005, Tennessee last year.
B) If the Redskins go 9-7, I think Joe comes back because, in his eyes, the jump from five wins to nine wins is sufficient progress and reason for hope. But then something would have to be done about his contract - he can't go into 2008 as a lame duck. I would guess The Danny would tack on a sixth season. Worse than 9-7, I think it's 50-50. The only way The Danny asks Joe to retire is the seasons falls apart (5-11 or 6-10).

Lindsay: A) I want to say it's a matter of one driving authority. The indecision or insecurity of being able to label exactly what your identity is. They want to be a running team, however, without having proven that week to week, its tougher to have the confidence in which adjustments to make and Ryan's numbers are astounding about the 14 halftime leads disappearing.
B) Treading lightly here. I have seen too many surprising changes/non-changes that its too tough to say. I will say this, he has said from day one of this season that he will do what is "best for the team." I will be surprised if he chooses to return if below 9-7. I do not think he will be fired.

5. It's save-the-season time for the Redskins Sunday in Tampa Bay. A Redskins win or a three-game losing streak?

Ryan: Tampa Bay 24-20. The Redskins invested everything they had against Dallas ... and still lost. They're banged up and there could be a letdown - that's how big a win over the Cowboys would have been. This game is a coin-flip so I can see several reasons to pick the Redskins. But the Bucs are playing well defensively and Jeff Garcia will do enough to win. That would drop the Redskins to 5-6 and in trouble for the postseason.

Lindsay: The Redskins win 27-20. Their backs are against the wall. They are almost feeling they need to save a coach's job. Even without Sean Taylor, I cannot see the defense struggling as it did in the second half against Dallas. I also see Cooley with a lot of success in this game.

BONUS
6. The Redskins know Tampa's stadium pretty well - this will be their fourth trip in the last 24 months. What are your five favorite stadiums and your No. 1 worst stadium in the NFL?

Ryan: My favorites ...
1. Lambeau Field, Green Bay (visited it for first time in October - great atmosphere).
2. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (They got it right with that stadium, from parking to video boards).
3. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (Sea of Red fans. Press box right at midfield).
4. Superdome, New Orleans (don't really like the city but being there for Eagles-Saints playoff game last year was great stuff).
5. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (the best music in the league).
My least favorite ... FedEx Field. Even Redskins fans I hear from agree.

Lindsay: My favorites ... and I've been to far less than Ryan ...
1.Heinz Field (my family's from Pittsburgh, I love the grit of that city ... the fans cannot be rivaled).
2.Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (people chill their beers in the snow-mounds by their seats).
3. Dolphin Stadium (good music, great weather).
4. FedEx Field (I like it, what can I say).
5. Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville (very clean and some of the friendliest people on the planet)
My least favorite ... Lincoln Financial Field (I love the loyalty, but I fear getting stuck in a crowd of Eagles fans).

It's official. With Mike Sellers' achy back still aching, the Redskins re-signed Brian Kozlowski today. As I type, the 37-year-old Koz is on the practice field for a fourth tour of duty in Washington. To make room for Koz, Washington let go another recently re-signed multiple-wearer of the burgundy and gold, receiver Jimmy Farris.

Andre Carter isn't practicing because his wife is having a baby. Carter is the fourth member of the D-line so blessed this season, following tackles Cornelius Griffin, Kedric Golston and Ryan Boschetti.

Jim Ducibella of the Virginian-Pilot has approximately six regular season games remaining as a Redskins beat reporter. Ol' Duce is taking the buyout at year's end.

And if he continues his hot streak in picking games, he will stride into book-writing land as a two-time winner of the El Gaucho Bowl.

I believe for the first time this season, Duce is in the lead thanks to his 12-4 week (I went 9-7).

Here are this week's picks:

Redskins at Tampa Bay
Duce: Redskins.
Ryan: Tampa Bay. I can easily see the Redskins winning. But to mix it up, I took Tampa Bay.

Carolina at New Orleans
Duce: Carolina.
Ryan: New Orleans. Reggie Bush is showing why he won't be a No. 1 running back. But the Panthers are starting Vinny, the Saints are starting Drew. Edge to the Saints.

Tennessee at Cincinnati
Duce: Cincinnati.
Ryan: Tennessee. A short week following a Monday night road game is usually a recipe for disaster. But the Bengals, according to a person who observed their loss to Arizona in-person, have already quit on Marvin Lewis.

Houston at Cleveland
Duce: Cleveland.
Ryan: Cleveland. A personal note -- one of my closest friends is a Browns season ticket holder and was scheduled to attend the game. But his father had a massive heart attack Tuesday, underwent triple bypass surgery Wednesday. The good news -- he could return home as early as Monday. Therefore, for Joe Reedy, A1 page designer for the Cincinnati Enquirer, I will pick the Browns and root like all-get-out for them.

Buffalo at Jacksonville
Duce: Jacksonville.
Ryan: Buffalo. My upset special in Friday's paper. No real reason other than the Jags have to be due for a collapse sooner or later.

Oakland at Kansas City
Duce: Kansas City.
Ryan: Kansas City. Priest Holmes retired this week but, in his second start, Brodie Croyle will be better than whomever the Raiders start at QB.

Seattle at St. Louis
Duce: Seattle.
Ryan: St. Louis. I'll go with the home team on this one. If the Redskins win on Sunday, my guess is that they end up in Seattle for the Opening Round playoff game. As Dan Daly said two years ago, "It's easier to get to Bulgaria than Seattle."

San Francisco at Arizona
Duce: Arizona.
Ryan: Arizona. If Seattle loses, the Cardinals have a chance at winning the NFC West.

Baltimore at San Diego
Duce: San Diego.
Ryan: San Diego. Poor Ed Lee. He covered the Redskins in 2004-05 for the Baltimore Sun. He's covered the Ravens the last two years. Translation: He holds the record for Most Boring Games Seen In Person.

Philadelphia at New England
Duce: New England.
Ryan: New England. It's not a matter of if the Patriots will win the Super Bowl, just whom they will pummel.

Miami at Pittsburgh
Duce: Pittsburgh.
Ryan: Pittsburgh. Have no interest (again) in this Monday game. A 7 a.m. flight in Tampa means I'll be unconscious by 9 p.m. The Steelers need to win to stay a game behind the Colts for the No. 2 seed (and avoid playing the Pats until the AFC title game).

Records
Duce: 12-4 last week, 104-54 season
Ryan: 9-7 last week, 101-57 season

The Washington Redskins released a statement moments ago saying that injured safety Sean Taylor was the victim of a shooting in his south Florida home.

The Miami Herald is reporting on its website that Miami-Dade patrol officers received a call around 1:45 a.m. this morning that a homeowner had been shot in the groin area. The house, located at 18050 Old Cutler Road, lists Taylor as the owner.

According to police, the male homeowner heard intruders in the back of the house. The homeowner — believed to be Taylor — was airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Taylor has missed the last two games with a knee injury sustained against Philadelphia.