Scud's Studs (12th off the bench): Cards vs. Skins

The Redskins pull out a gut wrenching victory in typical Redskins fashion. The blown red zone opportunities and blocked field goal surely had every Redskins fan on edge. But Rex Grossman, who isn't one of this week's Studs, deserves a lot of credit for battling through a couple of interceptions and leading the team to victory

That said, I'm going with five Studs that impressed me this week and held the team together.

Tim Hightower: After a fast start in the first half, the Cards were able to slow Hightower down a bit. But his value to the offense and setting the tempo is without question. I've also noticed he's been more effective picking up the blitz in pass protection. Hightower and Helu combined for 170 yards rushing.

Roy Helu: You just have the feeling this kid is going to be a star in this league. After so many years of disappointing drafts, the Redskins found a diamond in the rough in Roy Helu. Helu averaged 7.4 a pop and added another 38 yards receiving. Through the first two games, this could be one of the best running back duos in the league.

London Fletcher: London Fletcher just does what he does. He tackles, he pressures, and he leads. The dude is playing Pro-Bowl ball right now. Fletch was in Kolb's face most of the day and his interception in the second half was clutch. After the pick you had the feeling, we got this.

Fred Davis: Fred Davis is not only emerging as a great Redskin, but one of the best TEs in the league. For the second consecutive week Fred Davis led the team in receptions/6-86 1 TD. I'm sure there will be calls to trade #47, but this is the NFL and two good starting tight ends is an asset. Let's chill with the trade talk.

Shanahan and Haslett: Look, no one's 100% satisfied with our offensive struggles in the red zone, but Shanny and Kyle had this team ready to play. They game planned very well for the blitz and the 4th and 3 late in the fourth quarter was big time coaching that sealed the deal. When those plays work it breeds confidence in both the staff and the team.

Take away the big play to Fitzgerald and Has pretty much took away the Cards vertical game. Truth is, the other team gets paid to play too. Also worth noting, the Redskins had only 3 penalties the entire game. When was the last time we could say that? That's coaching folks.

Who are your Studs?

Kerrigan showed that he can defend the run, rush the passer, and play in coverage. We got a good one with him. It is odd to think that he is still learning the position.

Westbrook also caused a critical fumble. Who knew that he would be a stud?

I completely agree on all above points.

Hightower/Helu complement each other very effectively, and I think we'll see more and more of them as the season goes along. It hasn't been a one primary back league for years now and it's nice to see we can have an effective tandem.

Also the old saying bigtime players make bigtime plays applies to a lot of players today. Guys like Brian Orakpo, Fletch, F'n Freddy Davis, and Santana once again, they all came through when we needed them.

Also not many will agree with this but I have to give Graham Gano props for the game winner. No kicker makes me more nervous when going up to make a chip shot field goal, but if he had missed it he would've had competition in here by Tuesday. The block wasn't completely his fault (although he could've sped up the delivery) and he deserves props for coming through in the clutch.

Also Jabar Gaffney deserves an honorable mention for his solid day. Solid days are underrated on this team, and for two weeks in a row he made plays most of the time when we called on him.

Also want to mention the never-give-up mentality on this team. This is a game we would've lost in years past, either from failing to make a play when we needed one or for a 2nd half collapse. This team could've laid down when the Cards went up 21-13 on a monstrous Fitzy touchdown but they never gave up, and that says a lot about the coaching and team mentality.

Yeah, I think you have to put Orakpo and Kerrigan up there -- they are held constantly and they still got in there for a sack apiece.

To add, Helu had a couple decent blocks in pass pro. Hopefully he is working on that aspect of his game. I expect defenses to start stacking the box/blitzing inviting the pass.

Warpath Anarchy continues. I'm loving all the rage and chaos. We shall continue to punish the mods for having a life.

Grossman - for the 4th down TD pass to Moss. Without that single play being successful...we lose.

Grossman for staying strong, HT and HELU.. TW for having a solid day after last week.. MOSS , FLETCH, KERRIGAN, RAK

Westbrook for winning the game. Wilson was out, Gomes and Barnes weren't 100%...

Thanks for stepping in 12th. Unfortunately I got stuck working all day on a Sunday, and I barely saw any of the game. I'll be watching the TiVo'd version when I get home.

Great to be 2-0 heading into Dallas. HTTR!