Portis' 145 Yards Rushing Leads 'Skins Past Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook tries to break away from Washington Redskins defensive tackle Kedric Golston in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

(AP)

Another road win against a division opponent has the Washington Redskins in perfect position to make a run at the NFC East. Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and one touchdown, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El threw a TD pass and the Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-17 on Sunday.

Washington (4-1) has made it through the first five games under new coach Jim Zorn better than anyone expected. The Redskins went to Dallas last week and handed the Cowboys their first loss, 26-24. They've now played all three division rivals on the road and their next three opponents — Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis — entered this week with a combined record of 1-10.

The Eagles (2-3) are dangerously close to having to look ahead to next season. They were the only NFC East team to miss the playoffs in 2007, finishing last for the second time in three years. With Donovan McNabb healthy coming into this season, they were hoping to make a run at the Super Bowl. Instead, they're buried in last place again.

DeSean Jackson had a 68-yard punt return for a score, but the Eagles couldn't generate much on offense. Brian Westbrook, back after missing a game with an ankle injury, had just 84 total yards.

Meanwhile, Portis piled up the yards against the league's best run defense. The Eagles had allowed just 53.8 per game on the ground.

Shaun Suisham kicked three field goals beyond 40 yards, helping the Redskins overcome a 14-0 deficit. Jason Campbell threw for 176 yards and Washington's offense didn't commit a turnover for the fifth straight game.

About the only reason for fans to cheer came at the end of the game, when the Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers to advance to the National League championship series.

Portis ran in from the 4 to give the Redskins a 23-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. Washington started the drive at the Eagles 43 after a 28-yard punt return by Randle El and a personal foul penalty on Tank Daniels at the end of the play.