Redskins Pick Up First Victory

The Washington Redskins were headed for 0-6. They were losing by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The offense was doing nothing. The fans were leaving.

Then LaVar Arrington intercepted a pass.

Arrington, who missed most of the first half after being knocked woozy, picked off rookie Chris Weinke’s overthrown screen and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, inspiring the Redskins to a 17-14 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

“I feel terrible physically,” said Arrington, crouching with arms folded at his locker. “Emotionally and mentally, I’m on top of the world.”

Arrington’s first career touchdown, with 10:10 to play, got the crowd and his teammates excited. The Panthers, plagued by false starts, could barely run a play their next two series. On the Redskins’ next offensive play, Tony Banks hit rookie Rod Gardner with an 85-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

Brett Conway, who missed a short attempt late in regulation, kicked a 23-yard field goal 1:52 into overtime to complete embattled Coach Marty Schottenheimer’s first win with the Redskins (1-5). Stories abounded this week that Schottenheimer was already a lame duck, but now he has his first taste of success.

“A lesser group of men would not have persevered at 14-0,” Schottenheimer said. “They would have booked it, and this group won’t do that. I didn’t think it would take this long, but it did. We are growing.”

The Panthers (1-5) have lost five straight and were beaten on the last play of the game for the second consecutive week.

They could have had a blowout by halftime, but Weinke threw two interceptions inside the Redskin 10. Weinke finished 28 of 35 for 226 yards but threw four interceptions. Untimely penalties and blown coverages on defense did the rest.

The Panthers also lost three key players. Running back Tshimanga Biakabutuka broke his foot in the fourth quarter after rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He is to have surgery today and probably is out for the season.

Linebacker Hannibal Navies broke his right arm and will miss at least several weeks, and guard Kevin Donnalley injured his right knee.