WP:For a Minute, Redskins Feel a Rush

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9238-2003Nov24.html

For a Minute, Redskins Feel a Rush

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, November 24, 2003; Page D16

Trung Canidate gallops for 69 yards on 20 carries with one touchdown as the Redskins netted 129 yards rushing.

MIAMI, Nov. 23 -- The Washington Redskins started the season with enough tailbacks to field two teams: Trung Canidate, whose speed was so alluring to Coach Steve Spurrier that the Redskins released their third all-time leading rusher, Stephen Davis; Ladell Betts, the 2002 second-round pick whose combination of power and speed made him seemed destined to be the top back; and Chad Morton, the cat-quick, 5-foot-8 scatback who hid among offensive linemen before going vamoose. The three were the leading candidates among a bevy of backs that also included rookie Sultan McCullough and Kenny Watson.

The competition was so close that the Redskins decided on a tailback-by-committee approach: Betts as the power back and Canidate providing the oomph. Watson was cut to provide roster room. After a fast start, Washington's tailbacks sputtered, in part because of injuries, leading the club to recently sign second-year player John Simon.

Against the Miami Dolphins -- who have one of the league's stingiest run defenses -- Washington's tailbacks appeared headed for another game of yards in dribs and drabs. Instead, the mish-mash group provided quarterback Tim Hasselbeck uncharacteristic run support plus receptions for big plays. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough as the Dolphins came back from 13 points down for a 24-23 victory at Pro Player Stadium.

"We wanted to come out and run the ball even though those guys are tough up front," said Canidate in an almost empty locker room after the game. "Ultimately we didn't do what we came to do.

"I could care less how we ran the ball if we could have came out with that 'W'. That 'W' is everything."

The Redskins gained 129 yards on 32 carries for an average of 4.0. It was only the second time in seven games that Washington had rushed for at least 100 yards. Canidate led the group with 69 yards on 20 carries, and one touchdown. Morton had 42 yards on only eight carries.

Miami's run defense -- ranked No. 3 in the NFL entering the game -- has caused even star tailbacks to struggle: No tailback had rushed for at least 100 yards against Miami this season.

But things turned surreal in the second quarter as the Redskins took a 20-7 lead, causing boos from the stunned crowd. From the Washington 20-yard line, Canidate started the drive with an 11-yard run for a first down. On second and eight from the Washington 33, Simon -- a solid pass-catcher -- made a nifty reception for 12 yards. On third and one, Canidate powered right for two yards to the Miami 44.

The rhythmic mix of runs and short passes caused Miami's defense to be off-balance. And on the next play, Morton rushed up the middle, zipped left then sprinted right after a shimmy before being brought down after 27 yards. The gain was Washington's longest rush of the season. Later, on second and goal from the Miami 2-yard line, Canidate sprinted into the end zone untouched through a big hole created by right tackle Jon Jansen. Canidate held the ball out with his right hand before being congratulated by teammates.

During the preseason, the Redskins envisioned Canidate or Betts being so scintillating that one would eventually win the job to himself. One reason that the Redskins cut Davis was so speedsters like Canidate and Morton would slip through seams for "home-run" gains. Instead, the longest run had been quarterback Patrick Ramsey's 24-yard sprint during Washington's season-opening 16-13 victory over the New York Jets. And Canidate has shown few signs of the speed that caused St. Louis Rams Coach Mike Martz to select him in the first round of the 2000 draft, No. 31 overall. Canidate entered the game with 347 yards on an average of 4.0. Although he has been playing hurt recently, Canidate has lived down to his reputation of being fragile.

"I know I have a lot more to give," conceded Canidate, whose longest run Sunday was 18 yards. "That's all I can do is keep trying to get better."

But Washington took a 20-10 halftime lead as it rushed for 79 yards on 18 carries for an average of 4.4 yards. The most impressive runner in the first half was Morton, who gained 42 yards on only four carries.

After getting sacked in the first quarter, Ramsey left the game following only two drives. Hasselbeck entered having thrown only three NFL passes during his short yet peripatetic career.

Hasselbeck seemed to gather his bearings by utilizing Washington's tailbacks on dump-offs and timely runs. The 11-play, 43-yard drive was capped by John Hall's 31-yard field goal, which cut Miami's lead to 7-6.

The Redskins were without Betts (broken left forearm) and fullback Rock Cartwright (sprained ankle) because of injuries. Despite the solid performance, the Redskins lost yet again, and their tailback situation remained murky.

"You're always trying to build on something but this is the time of the season where we just want to win," Canidate said. "We needed a win. That 'W' can make you feel good throughout the week."