Ceci Ferrara
December 22, 2014
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Heading into Saturday’s game, the Redskins had nothing to lose. Their season had effectively been over for weeks, after the were eliminated from playoff contention. But while they weren’t vying for a postseason berth, they could spoil the Eagles’ chances.
And that’s exactly what Robert Griffin III and Washington did.
Griffin, who returned to his starting position after Colt McCoy was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending neck injury, went 16 of 23 for 220 yards and one interception. Though he didn’t throw any touchdowns, he did an effective job of moving his team down the field and putting them in a position to score–and win.
“You would think a 3-11 football team would just quit,” Griffin said. “And we’re not.”
Fullback Darrel Young had two carries–both for touchdowns–while Alfred Morris had a 28-yard burst for the Skins’ first TD of the game. Washington’s defense rose to the occasion, racking up three sacks and an interception against Philly QB Mark Sanchez. They also snapped their streak of games with five or more sacks, allowing just two.
Though the Redskins trailed 14-10 at the half, they scored a touchdown early in the third quarter and never relinquished the lead. They looked to be in danger when the Eagles tied the score at 24 apiece with just over two and a half minutes remaining. But with the clock winding down, the Skins intercepted Sanchez at midfield to get the ball back and kick the game-winning field goal.
With the victory, the Redskins pushed the Eagles to the brink of elimination. Philadelphia needed the Cowboys to lose on Sunday night in order to remain in the playoff picture. Their hopes were officially dashed with Dallas’ 42-7 rout of the Colts Sunday night. With their win, the Cowboys clinched the NFC East Title and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Though the Redskins (4-11) can end the season next week with no more than five wins, their improved performance the past couple of weeks has given fans hope. A few weeks ago Griffin leaving at the end of the season seemed like a certainty–now, reports are surfacing that the embattled quarterback is likely to remain in burgundy and gold next year.
Either way, there does appear to be a positive change in the Redskins locker room.
“It’s obvious I have a great respect for Robert and what he does, and I’m happy with the way he came out and completed last week and I’m glad he likes it here,” said coach Jay Gruden. “He likes his teammates and I think everybody has a genuine respect for what he does as a football player and what he’s gone through, and he’s just got to build on this performance. Hopefully against Dallas he can finish off the season on a high note and have something positive going into next year.”
