- The Washington Times - Sunday, September 21, 2014

PHILADELPHIA — With his hands on his hips, Kirk Cousins was left to stare and wonder.

His pass on fourth-and-10 with 1:52 remaining in the game was behind an open Pierre Garcon. It ostensibly ended a wild, rough, offense-first game the Philadelphia Eagles won, 37-34, over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

A missed field goal and interception helped doom the Redskins.

Cousins was intercepted with 7:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, which the Eagles converted into three points.

Kai Forbath missed a 33-yard field-goal attempt with 10:15 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Cousins fluctuated from on-point to well off. He finished 30-for-48 for 427 yards and three touchdowns.


SEE ALSO: Redskins and Eagles have sideline fight


DeSean Jackson had a dynamic return to Philadelphia. He was responsible for a one-play, 81-yard touchdown drive late in the third quarter. The Redskins had used Jackson on short, quick outs during his return to Philadelphia. In the third quarter, he ran a skinny post up the middle of the field past Nate Allen and Cousins hit him following a seven-step drop. Jackson celebrated in the end zone by flapping his arms.

More important, the score pulled the Redskins even with the Eagles at 27-27 with 2:04 remaining in the third quarter.

Shortly after, the Redskins were positioned to take the lead. But Forbath’s kick hit the right upright.

Philadelphia took over and the game took untoward turn. An already chippy game devolved into a multiplayer fight that spilled onto the Washington sideline. Moments later, dozens of players were pushing and punching, even players not on the field at the start of the play.

Once it was all sorted out, the interception was overturned, Foles was back in the games and Baker was in the lockerroom with nine minutes remaining in a game tied at 27.

The dullness and slog of the Redskins’ first road game at Houston was replaced multiple early touchdowns in Philadelphia.


SEE ALSO: Washington Redskins’ DeAngelo Hall leaves game with Achilles injury


Cousins was precise early. He completed his first eight passes and 12 of 13 in the first quarter, piling up 124 yards and two touchdowns. The Redskins often ran play-action and relied on short to intermediate routes as they pushed through the Eagles’ defense for 20 first-half points. He finished the half 19f-ro25 for 188 yards. His prime target was Pierre Garcon, who had six catches for 64 yards in the first two quarters, a decided uptick from the prior week when Garcon was targeted four times and had just one catch.

The Philadelphia offense was equally adept. A touchdown just before the half pushed them in front, 21-20, thought they gained possession with just 1:08 remaining in the half.

Boosting what was the league’s top offense coming into the game was a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Chris Polk. The Redskins have missed an extra point, had a punt blocked for a touchdown, had teammates tackle each other on a punt return and allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown in the first three games this season. Special teams remain the opposite of that in Washington.

DeSean Jackson’s return to Philadelphia was met with light boos from the hometown crowd. Considering the venue, the amount of booing was akin to a hug and pat on the back. Jackson was a gameday captain and engaged in the game. After a first-half first-down catch, Jackson pranced up the sideline. He shoved Philadelphia defensive Nate Allen after Allen hit him late. A flag for unnecessary roughness on Allen followed. Jackson finished with X catches for xx yards.

The Redskins also suffered a flood of injuries. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall injured his Achilles’ tendon in the third quarter and did not return. Hall went down after turning toward a play behind him. No other players were around.

Left guard Shawn Lauvao (knee) left the game and did not return. He was replaced by Josh LeRibeus.

Linebacker Brian Orakpo (finger), offensive linemen Kory Lichtensteiger and Tyler Polumbus (knee), running back Alfred Morris (knee) left and returned to the game.

• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide