Monday 17 October 2016 00:34, UK
Washington Redskins recorded a fourth successive victory with a 27-20 win over NFC East rivals Philadelphia at FedEx Field on Sunday.
Led by quarterback Kirk Cousins who threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, the Redskins dominated the previously 3-0 Eagles to condemn them to a second straight defeat. While Cousins controlled the game it was Washington's running game that caused the Eagles the most problems.
Despite their struggles, a punt return and interception kept the Eagles competitive but they were unable to get close enough to test the Redskins who improve to 4-2
In 140 characters
Redskins defence batter Eagles and Carson Wentz in NFC East contest. Philadelphia special teams keep them close but Redskins cruise home.
MVP
Ryan Kerrigan. Kirk Cousins ran the game brilliantly for Washington while Pierre Garcon and Matt Jones headlined the running game but the tone was set by Kerrigan's dominance over Carson Wentz.
Game Changer
The first play of the game saw Kerrigan sack Wentz and rip the shirt from his back, setting the tone for Redskins victory which was based on defence and a lively running game. The dominance of the rookie quarterback limited Philadelphia to just three first downs in the first half.
Stat of the Night
114. Philadelphia gave away 13 penalties totalling 114 yards, the first time since 1952 the Eagles have had back-to-back games with 110+ penalty yards.
The Game
Coming off the first defeat of the season, Philadelphia were slow out of the traps as Ryan Kerrigan and his defensive team-mates made their mark early on, forcing Carson Wentz into a couple of early sacks.
The Eagles were not to be outdone though as their defence held their own as the early arm wrestling saw the teams trading punts before the breakthrough finally came.
With Kirk Cousins beginning to find his range he connected with in-form wide receiver Jamison Crowder for the game's first touchdown and into the second quarter the Redskins underlined their dominance with a second TD of the afternoon.
This time Cousins found tight end Vernon Davis, in for the concussed Jordan Reed, and he chalked up his first touchdown in a Washington uniform, but the celebration that involved using the ball as a basketball was to cost Jay Gruden's charges.
The 15-yard penalty on the kick-off gave Philadelphia their first touchdown as Wendell Smallwood ran in for an 86-yard kick-off return that got the Eagles on the board.
And despite just three first downs in the opening half, they were on level terms as the defensive team added a touchdown of their own to the team's special effort from Smallwood.
This time Malcolm Jenkins picked off Cousins' pass for a 64-yard interception that somehow had the Eagles back in the game.
It did not last long as Cousins and the Redskins kept their cool to march down the field, and a dominant drive saw Matt Jones run in from a yard just before half-time, Dustin Hopkins adding the extras for the third time to ensure a 21-14 lead.
Jones was part of a three-pronged running attack with Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson, who combined for 231 yards throughout, as Redskins' throwing and rushing game caused the Eagles previously dominant defence all manner of problems.
Wentz's problems continued, although despite five sacks he still showed the promise that have underline his rookie season including one fantastic 54-yard effort to Jordan Matthews that accounted for almost half of his total 179 yards.
The teams traded field goals in the second half, two each from Hopkins and Caleb Sturgis the only time the scorers were troubled as Washington controlled the game comfortably to see out a fourth straight win.
