Jason Taylor Official Website

They were teammates for 11 years in Miami. On the field, they enjoyed tremendous success, combining for 13 Pro Bowl appearances. Off the field, they became the best of friends and, along the way, brothers-in-law. Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor get to play against each other today for the first time.

One by one, Redskins players returned to the team’s practice facility on Monday morning, refreshed and ready for what’s next. There was Jason Taylor, walking into Redskins Park without any noticeable limp from his calf injury.

The Redskins are relieved to survive what seemed to be an easy three-game stretch -- playing St. Louis, Cleveland and Detroit -- with two victories that put them at 6-2 for the first time since 2000. "Now this is the push here where the teams begin to define themselves halfway through the season," Zorn said. "We're hoping that we can keep this thing going."

Led by middle linebacker London Fletcher and missing injured cornerback Shawn Springs, the defense gave up only 236 yards and nearly didn't allow a touchdown for the second straight week. Carlos Rogers, nursing a calf injury, held Braylon Edwards to four catches. 

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 played all three division rivals on the road and their next three opponents -- Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis -- are a combined 1-11.