Rocky McIntosh back in comfort zone

Inside linebacker Rocky McIntosh was a force in his return to the lineup after being sidelined by a concussion in Week 6.

McIntosh shared the team lead with eight tackles, including six unassisted, had a sack and forced a fumble in the Redskins' 17-14 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It was good to be back in the lineup, McIntosh said.

"I always play good when I'm with my teammates," McIntosh said. "Just being out there in that atmosphere with my teammates, that's when I always feel good."

The Redskins had six takeaways on four DeAngelo Hall interceptions - he tied the NFL record - and two fumble recoveries. Washington last had six takeaways on Jan. 1, 2006, against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"It's real important," McIntosh said of the takeaways. "He [defensive coordinator Jim Haslett] stressed it from day one that we were gonna get a bunch of turnovers [against the Bears]. Seeing it on film in the other games, they give up turnovers. We just had to capitalize on it. And we did this time."

Again, McIntosh was key in the Redskins' success on defense, Coach Mike Shanahan said.

"Anytime you lose a guy for a game, like we did, it sets you back a little bit," Shanahan said. "But that's the nature of the National Football League. You are going to lose players during the season and some guys will have to step up. ... I was pleased with Rocky's effort today."

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(washingtonpost.com)