REDSKINS OUTLAST RAMS IN DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE

The Washington Redskins offense has sputtered early in the NFL season, but they found a way to win on Sunday despite not scoring a touchdown.  The Redskins used three field goals by Shaun Suisham to get past the St. Louis Rams by a final score more appropriate for a baseball game, 9-7.  Washington trailed 9-7 at half time, and despite dominating the offensive yardage and time of possessions needed a third quarter field goal to provide the final margin of victory.

Sports betting enthusiasts who took the Rams as +10 road underdogs were rewarded with a pointspread victory, evening both teams’ ATS mark on the young season at 1-1.  The Redskins have been a horrible investment as a favorite in recent years, posting a woeful 5-10 mark when getting points over the past three seasons. The 16 combined points never threatened the posted total of 37 for an easy UNDER.  The Rams have gone UNDER in both of their 2009 NFL games, while the Skins have now split their O/U results.  

The Redskins’ fans at FedEx Field were unhappy with the performance despite the victory, and booed the team on several occasions in the second half.  Tight end Chris Cooley chided them for their negativity:

"I understand that they want us to beat the Rams by 40. But we still won, and if we continue to win games, that's great. The booing was unnecessary."

Washington head coach Jim Zorn addressed criticism of his team’s lack of offensive productivity:

"I have got to look at this thing very hard because it is my responsibility. I can wave all kinds of magic wands, but I have to come up with the right play."

The Rams were poised to take the lead in the fourth quarter when wide receiver Donnie Avery had the ball stripped in the ‘red zone’ for a turnover.  He said that he blames himself for the loss in postgame comments:

"DB made a good play on the ball. I know better than that. Should have had it high and tight. It's all on me. I lost it for the team."

St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo didn’t blame Avery for the setback, but did express his disappointment:

"I am very disappointed. There are no moral victories in this league."

The Redskins will step down in class this weekend, heading to the Motor City to take on the woeful Detroit Lions.  Washington is a -6’ home favorite with the total set at 38.  They’ll return home the following weekend to take on the Tampa Bay Bucs before traveling to Charlotte, NC on October 11th to play the Carolina Panthers.  St. Louis will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, with the Rams installed as +6’ home underdogs.  The total in that game is set at 41.  The Rams will play another tough game on the road the following week, traveling cross country to face the San Francisco 49ers.  They’ll return home on November 11th to face the Minnesota Vikings.