Redskins give Gibbs a victory in return

CANTON, Ohio -- Joe Gibbs came back for this?

While his Washington Redskins beat the Denver Broncos, 20-17, on a last-second 39-yard field goal by Ola Kimrin last night in the Hall of Fame game, the Hall of Fame coach saw enough mistakes to fill an entire preseason. And then some.

Still, the Redskins marched efficiently to the winning kick behind third-string quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, offsetting a long night of general inefficiency.

The Broncos were even worse for most of the game. Fourth-string quarterback Mike Quinn led Denver's 13-play, 58-yard drive that was capped by a 2-yard TD pass to Jeb Putzier and drew the Broncos to 17-15. Quinn hit Charlie Adams for the 2-point conversion to tie it.

Back came Washington, with a 35-yard pass from former Boston College quarterback Hasselbeck to Darnerien McCants sparking the winning march. Backup kicker Kimrin didn't flinch on his attempt, and Gibbs was a winner again.

"It was big for us," Gibbs said. "Denver has a veteran group and we were just trying to come back."

Safety Sean Taylor, Washington's first-round selection (fifth overall), had a strong debut. He picked off fellow rookie Matt Mauck twice, scoring from the 3 on the second interception. Worst of all for the Redskins, right tackle Jon Jansen ruptured his left Achilles' tendon in the first quarter and likely will miss the season.

Shawn Springs, signed to replace cornerback Champ Bailey after Bailey was traded to Denver for Clinton Portis, intercepted Jake Plummer's pass on the Broncos' first series.

Portis rushed for 11 yards on four carries against his former team. His potential replacement in Denver, Quentin Griffin, rushed for 46 yards on six carries.