Buffalo could mark his return.
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The relief he was feeling was obvious. It’s the defense that has to prove its worth, especially after being torched in the fourth quarter by Tony Romo in Dallas and getting beaten by Julio Jones and the Falcons last week.
Cousins was 30-of-49 for 316 yards in a 32-21 loss to the New York Giants, but he had two interceptions, including one deep in Washington territory by Prince Amukamara that set up a first-quarter touchdown. The message from Coach Tom Coughlin coming in was about finishing what they started and not letting up if they were to jump out to a lead. Williams rushed a yard for the TD four plays later. Washington then failed at the ensuing onside kick, leading to Manning’s 41-yard touchdown pass to Randle.
After a tough loss to a division opponent, the Redskins know the best way to rebound is to have perspective, still early in the season. Cousins is capable of good days and bad ones, but the latter makes him untrustworthy. “Let’s try to get another”.
The Redskins were coming off of a surprise victory over the Rams, and hoped to bring that momentum into this divisional game. It was like déjà vu all over again, what with the team’s historic accomplishment of being the first squad to throw away two double-digit fourth quarter leads in the first two games of the season. “I spent some time, obviously, congratulating our team and telling them that the effort for the most part was outstanding, and that’s got to remain right where it is”.
Washington entered MetLife Stadium with the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense and as the league leader in time of possession.
“To have leads in the fourth quarter and to not hold onto those and not be at our best in the final minutes of a game is frustrating”. That completely changed against Washington, which often single-covered Randle.
Randle came into the game having caught just three passes in two games.
Griffin was said to be the starter all offseason long and the Redskins were all in with developing him and seeing whether or not he could turn things around. “I thought we did that tonight”. “Did you see the plays this guy made?” “I definitely wanted the opportunity”.
Beckham Jr. took full advantage of the Redskins weak secondary, putting up seven receptions for 79 yards on nine targets, including a nifty 30-yard TD. The defense forced a three-and-out and running back Rashad Jennings overpowered Washington linebacker Terrance Plummer to block Tress Way’s punt. Jennings not only participates, he contributes big plays.
“I felt bad”, he said. He just didn’t want to admit there was a competition until deciding Griffin lost. You practice it every week. “It just worked”. Last year, with nearly the same dynamics in place, the Giants disposed of the Redskins to get into the win column.
Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo had a nice balance between the run game and passing attack.
On the next drive, the Redskins, who made it to the Giants’ 34-yard line, committed their second turnover when Cousins’ pass intended for tight end Derek Carrier was tipped and grabbed by Unga.
Washington was the cure for almost everything that ailed the Giants as they broke a two-game losing streak with a 32-21 victory Thursday night.
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NOTES: Redskins NT Kedric Golston broke a hand, but returned to the game.
