Orakpo's coming out party

On a big day in many ways, Brian Orakpo's performance stood out. The rookie out of Texas finally had a breakout performance, a game to remember.

Four sacks.

Whatever you want to say about the Redskins - they've definitely had a down season - Orakpo will be a great player. He already is.

All together, it was a great defensive performance by the Redskins. They totaled eight sacks. Orakpo led with four, Andre Carter had two and Lorenzo Alexander and Doughty had one each.

The offense performed as well as it had since Sherman Lewis took over the play calling. Quinton Ganther, the Redskins fourth starting running back this season, came through for two touchdowns.


Offensive thoughts

• Fred Davis came through again with two touchdowns. That tight end play next season should be interesting. I think the Redskins could come up with a very good two tight end set and create big mis-matches with Cooley and Davis. When Cooley was healthy, we never saw Davis. With Cooley out, Davis has suddenly shown up big.

Next season, Redskins need to use both tight ends better.

• Ganther was a bright spot. The Redskins continue to get more production out of backup running backs than they got out of Portis. Ganther ran for 50 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns. Great, great play. He also had a few catches.

• Campbell's play -- 16 of 28 for 222 yards and two touchdowns -- was solid. He was pressured throughout the game but came out alright. He's still got to get rid of the ball quicker.

• I loved, loved, that the Redskins went for the throat up 27-13. Instead of settling for a FG, the coaches called a good drive to get another TD.

• Graham Gano -- the new kicker -- did a good job. Made some solid kicks and had two good kickoffs for touchbacks. I'll reserve final judgment for when he makes a pressure kick to win or lose a game. That'll tell me who he really is, but it was a good start.

Defensive thoughts

• I really can't say enough about Orakpo, but he had a tremendous game.

• The Redskins seemed to want to be more aggressive on defense -- more blitzes, lots of pressure. It worked, especially by the end of the game. The Raiders' offensive linemen didn't know who to block. Definitely worked out well for the Skins, who had eight sacks - the most in... as long as I can remember.

• I think this is a plus - Landry only got burnt on one double move. I really want to like the guy, he was a 6th overall pick, but the guy isn't impressing. The Redskins seemed to move him closer to the line and play him like a linebacker. I think this was a good move. Landry can hit well and has a lot of speed. Keep him up near the line of scrimmage.

Overall, a big victory and something to build off of.