Ceci Ferrara
October 13, 2014
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Another week, another Redskins loss. For the fourth straight time this season the Redskins left the field disappointed and downtrodden. They had lost yet another game; their
13th in 14 tries, and fifth this season. Their latest disappointment against the Arizona Cardinals (4-1), came on the heels of a 27-17 Monday night loss against the Seahawks.
“I told our team after the game, this is not that hard to figure out,” Coach Jay Gruden said. “The team that makes plays usually wins. The team that doesn’t turn the ball over usually wins. The team that creates turnovers…we’re not doing anything. It’s a broken record every time I stand up here.”
At 1-5, the Redskins sit at the bottom of the division, and have one of the worst records in the league. Most frustrating for Washington is that they often show promise early on, but by the end of the game all hope is lost. On Sunday, the ‘Skins committed four fourth-quarter turnovers, including the game-ending pick-six from backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.
“The turnovers were costly,” said Cousins. “They just didn’t give us a chance to stay on the field.”
Cousins kept the ‘Skins in contention in the first half, even leading them to a 10-7 lead early in second quarter. But the defense couldn’t hold off a revived Carson Palmer and the Cardinals, and trailed 13-14 by half-time. Even so, Washington looked like they had a real shot at a win.
But they were unable to produce in the third quarter, while the Cardinals scored three field goals to extend the lead 20-13. Trailing by just a touchdown, Cousins completed a short pass to Andre Roberts, which was fumbled and recovered by Arizona at the 36 yard line. The Cardinals made the most of the turnover and scored another field goal.
Trailing by six, Cousins threw an interception on Washington’s next possession, before throwing a touchdown to Pierre Garçon to pull the Redskins within three. With just 29 seconds left, the Redskins got the ball back deep in their own territory, with the hope of mounting a game-winning drive.
Instead, Cousins threw his third interception of the quarter, which was returned for a touchdown.
“We keep beating ourselves,” said running back Alfred Morris. “We’re doing good, doing good–then all of the sudden make mistakes. I know we’re a better team than what our record says right now.”
MLB Playoffs
After sweeping Detroit in the Division Series, the Orioles have found themselves in a tight spot. As they into Game 3 of the ALCS, they trail Kansas City 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
But a rain delay may end up working in their favor, as it gives the team another day to rest, practice, and prepare for Game 3 in Kansas City, MO. The game, that was originally scheduled for Monday night, has been postponed until Tuesday.
The Orioles have lost both game late, losing 8-6 to the Royals in 10 innings on Friday, followed by a ninth-inning stunner on Saturday, when Kansas City scored two runs in the top of the inning to break the tie and win the game.
Kansas City outfielder Jarrod Dyson made headlines Tuesday, due to his response about whether or not he felt there would be a sixth game. If the Orioles don’t win at least two games in Kansas City, the series–and their season–will be over.
“No sir, I don’t,” he said, “and I don’t think the Orioles think that, either.”
Against the odds–and negative comments–Baltimore remains optimistic. Outfielder Nelson Cruz offered some of the clubhouse optimism to reporters on Sunday.
“We do an amazing job coming back every time they jump head,” he said. “We’ve been able to come back and tie the game, but we haven’t been able to take the lead. That’s what we need. So I trust my teammates and I trust what we have here. I believe if one team can come back and win the series, it’s us.”
