But sometimes winning the battles up front leaves you the looser in the war. The Redskins found some success, but had no answer for a Lions strategy of double coverage on the outside receivers. Frustrated, Brad Johnson forced the ball into situations where only a perfect throw gets the job done. Needless to say, Johnson was less than perfect. Championship teams can come into another teams town and escape with victory, even when they face a quality opponent.
Great teams win the difficult games.
The Redskins received an instant boost when Mike Sellers stopped Desmond Howard on the Lions 19 yard-line after the opening kickoff. Detroit set to work, doing an imitation of the Redskins opening drive from last week. Spreading the football around, Charlie Batch threw on 9 of the Lions first 11 plays. So much for respecting the Redskins all-star secondary. With Mark Carrier safely at home, the Lions showed no fear in throwing the ball anywhere on the field, including straight down the middle and directly at Deion Sanders.