Game was nearly unwatchable

LANDOVER, Md. -- Prior to the season, this game had the look of two heavyweights slugging it out.

But by Thursday night, it was more like two slugs waiting it out.

That the Redskins defeated the Bears, 24-16, to improve to a pedestrian 6-7, and drop the Bears to 5-8, was less a test of talent than it was a test of time.

And fortunately, there was a clock involved and this game went only 60 minutes.

The good news is most of the nation -- minus the NFL Network -- wasn't forced to witness this horribly played football game.

The bad news is players were carried off at an alarming rate, including Clinton Portis, who left with a stomach ailment, which is only fair since anyone watching at home must have had the same symptoms.

In a season full of embarrassments for the defending NFC champs, there was probably nothing worse than getting carved up by 36-year-old Todd Collins, who hadn't throw a pass in the NFL since 2004, and was essentially sitting and watching for the last 10 years.

"I don't know that I've ever had a better performance off the bench in my career,'' said Washington coach Joe Gibbs, of Collins' 224 yards, 2 TDs and 144.6 QB rating. "Every week he's so well prepared. He knows every play. He knows when the call is wrong in practice and he corrects everyone.

"It paid off tonight.''

The Redskins were there for the taking, coming out very slow and sluggish, having been through an emotional roller coaster and the physical toll of flying to Miami for the services of slain teammate Sean Taylor earlier this week.

"I think today they were back to having excitement and energy and enjoying the game. I was glad to see that,'' Gibbs said. "It's a real tribute to our players. It was a very emotional effort tonight.''

The Bears, meanwhile, were losing players left, right and up the middle, and starting QB Rex Grossman went down when center Olin Kreutz stepped on guard Terrence Metcalf's foot, causing Metcalf to fall and Grossman to get creamed.

Brian Griese took over and struggled as the Redskins brought the heat.

"They came after us pretty good,'' said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. "It took awhile to adjust.''

The Bears did, but then their injury-riddled defense couldn't stop the Skins, who put an end to their season.

"I thought the winner of this game,'' said Lovie Smith, "had a pretty good chance to make the playoffs.''

That remains to be seen, but if nothing else, they handed Washington a victory when the franchise needed it most.

This is, after all, the NFL, where compassion is considered a weakness, but the Bears were kind and considerate, offering the Redskins the greatest gift of all.

They gave the Redskins hope, while dashing their own.

The only ones more fortunate were those who didn't have to view it.