Ceci Ferrara
October 26, 2015
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in the Washington Redskins’ 31-30 comeback victory on Sunday. After trailing 24-0 late in the second quarter, the Redskins rallied in the second half, outscoring Tampa Bay 24-6 for the largest comeback victory in franchise history.
Cousins had his best game of the season, going 33-of-40 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. His most important stat, however, was probably his number of turnovers: zero.
Tampa Bay, led by No. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston, was up 24-0 in the second quarter before Cousins ran in an 8-yard TD to get Washington on the board. Trailing 24-7 at the half, some frustrated fans booed the Redskins into the locker room. It may have been the motivation they needed because after they break they looked like a completely different team.
Cousins, who didn’t have more than one TD pass all season, had three in the second half, including the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter.
“It was a good lesson: Just keep playing and you never know what can happen,” Cousins said.
Trailing 30-24 with just a little less than 2 1/2 minutes left, Washington got the ball back on their own 20. It was a chance for Cousins to shine–and he did. He led his team 75-yards down the field, connecting with Jordan Reed on a 6-yard pass to win the game.
With the victory, Washington improves to 3-4 heading into the bye week. Despite back to back losses, the win keeps them in the running to win the weak NFC East. The Giants (4-3) are the only team in the division with a winning record.
For now, the Redskins will relish in their historic victory, and enjoy their week off before getting back to work Nov. 8 against the New England Patriots.
Flip Saunders
Flip Saunders, who coached in the NBA for 17 years, three of which in Washington, died of cancer on Sunday at age 60.
Saunders’ NBA coaching career included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves
and Detroit Pistons, as well as the Washington Wizards. Though he coached Washington from 2009-2012, he is best remembered for his 10-year tenure with Minnesota (1995-2005), during which he led them to eight-straight playoff appearances.
Saunders joined the Wizards organization in 2009, and remained through January 2012 when he was replaced with current coach Randy Wittman. After a two year break, he rejoined the Timberwolves as head coach in 2014, a position he held up until his death.
“The NBA family is mourning today over the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Flip Saunders,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “…Flip’s untimely passing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of our league. Flip was a beloved figure around the NBA, nowhere more so than in Minnesota, demonstrating a genuine and consistent passion for his players, his team, and the game. On behalf of the NBA, we offer our best sincere condolences to Flip’s wife, Debbie, their four children and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization.”
