Redskins: Washington loses look of a contender

ASHBURN, Va. - Mark Brunell has the Washington Redskins in "must-win" territory. LaVar Arrington feels he's reliving the same old story. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley are befuddled that the opposing defense seemed to know the pass plays. Clinton Portis said the running game was "abandoned."

Opinions were aplenty as the Redskins awoke yesterday to a 5-5 record, but the conclusion was inescapable: They no longer look like a playoff team. Turnovers, lack of a pass rush, a dwindling passing game, bad luck and sheer inconsistency have this season headed in a familiar direction after a 3-0 start.

"We're 5-5," Arrington said. "As bad...