The season is half over and the Redskins sport a 6-2 record.  I, for one, did NOT see this coming.  I thought they would be 4-4 at best, but with the way they came out of the preseason, I fully expected 3-5.

The offense has matured faster than I could have thought and, although I thought the defense would be good, the defense has been dominant in several games. Here are my midseason grades:

Offense: I was very excited to hear that Clinton Portis lifted weighs in the offseason, so much so that I picked him up for cheap in my fantasy league.  After the Giants game, I was very worried, but he has been running with purpose ever since. He isn't doing it alone. The offensive line is opening holes that I could run through.  Portis should get a lot of the credit. I think his best game was against the Eagles.  His highlights from the game are below.  Tell me if you agree.

To really explain how good Portis has been this year, we have to look at the stats.  Portis is averaging more than 20 yards per game over what Adrian Peterson, the second most prolific running this year.

I never thought i would say this, but Jason Campbell is a very good quarterback.  Campbell made Al Saunder's offense last year look like Marty's one audible, one receiver offense.  Zorn's influence on Campbell has been remarkable.  He is 5th in the NFL in passer rating and has not thrown an interception this year.  Both Jason and Zorn deserve a heap of praise.

There are still issues with the offense.  They move the ball well demonstrated by their 7th place rating.  The inconsistency has kept them from becoming a great offense. Too many times we Redskin fans have seen the offense sputter at the opponent's 30 yard line because of a penalty, sack or other mental mistake.  It hasn't all come together yet, but when it does, the rest of the league should watch out.

Grade: B+  

Defense: The Redskins defense can be summed up in one word: solid.   Greg Blache has these guys playing hard and with confidence.  I wonder if Zorn's agressive nature is rubbing off on the defense as well.  Both sides are confident and they never look out of control.  The defensive line has not created much pressure, but I expect that to change once Jason Taylor is healthy.  The linebackers have been solid with London Fletcher having another Pro Bowl Year.  But the secondary is what is making this defense dominant.

Even without their leader, Shawn Springs, the Redskins defense has frustrated opponents time and time again.  Let's go back a few months.  If you asked me who is more likely to make the Pro Bowl: Carlos Rogers or Chris Horton, I would have said Chris Horton (once the laughter stopped and I caught my breathe).  Carlos Rogers has been a liability ever since we drafted him in the first round.  Nevermind the rookie with four turnovers, Rogers has been the reason that Redskin opponents have left the field pointing fingers.  The series defending T.O. was extremely impressive, but below is my favorite Carlos Rogers play of 2008.

The Redskins have risen to 6th in the league, but I have some concerns.  After starting the year forcing turnovers, the Redskins have only forced two turnovers in the last five games.  The Skins forced six turnovers in the first three games, then Taylor got hurt and the Redskins stopped being opportunistic. The Redskins need a pass rush (and to teach Rogers to bat ball in the air instead of trying to catch them).

Grade: B

Special Teams: Up until last week, special teams would have been given a D.  But, after 13 points from Suisham and the electrifying return by Moss, I am willing to rethink my D. Here is how I came to the D-.  Punting and punt coverage have been a liability and Randle El has been a pathetic punt returner (F, F, F).  Kickoffs and kick returns have been satisfactory if not spectacular (C, D, C).  Field goals have been shaky but I still like Suisham (C).  The main point about special teams though is that we continually lose the battle of field position and it is because of the special teams.  Just for a little fun, here is Moss's return. My favorite part of this clip is Albert Fincher high stepping while Moss runs into the end zone.

Grade: D+, Moss and Suisham bring teams up to ..... ok they still stink

Coaching: I think I have gushed about them enough above, but here are a few other things.  The Redskins did not quit in Philly after being down 14 early.  They have owned teams in the 4th quarter.  They have battled through key injuries. 

The Redskins just seem to be on the same page on both the offense and defense.  Have to give credit again to both Zorn and Blache.

Grade: A

More to come on Sunday.  The Steelers are coming to town.