Redskins Lose 37-34 Shootout With Eagles

The Washington Redskins could not get the better of the high-flying Philadelphia Eagles in a shootout Sunday, losing 37-34 in what was their seventh straight divisional loss dating back to last season. 

Kirk Cousins, making his first start in place of the injured Robert Griffin III, completed 30 of 48 passes for 427 yards and three touchdowns. DeSean Jackson, making his return to Philadelphia after being released this offseason, caught five passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.

The Redskins' first drive of the game could not have been scripted any better. Cousins completed all seven of his passes, culminating with a four-yard pass to Darrel Young for a touchdown, Young's third of the season. Yet it was instantly negated on the ensuing kickoff when Chris Polk returned it 102 yards to tie the game. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown in the 11-year history of Lincoln Financial Field

No matter, though. Cousins once again marched Washington up the field, throwing his second touchdown of the quarter to Pierre Garcon on a quick-slant route to restore the seven-point lead. Philadelphia eventually took the lead at 21-20 nine seconds before halftime after a Jordan Matthews 11-yard touchdown catch, his second 11-yard scoring grab of the quarter.

With the Redskins trailing 27-20 late in the third quarter, Jackson hauled in a deep throw from Cousins, evaded a tackle and ran unopposed into the end zone to tie the game on an 81-yard play. It was Jackson's 18th touchdown of 50 or more yards since 2008, which leads the NFL according to ESPN. The former Eagle then mockingly flapped his arms in celebration

Tensions escalated in the fourth quarter when Chris Baker blindsided Nick Foles after an attempted pass. Benches cleared and punches were thrown, leading to ejections on both sides. Foles, however, remained in the game and gave Philadelphia a 34-27 lead with a 27-yard pass to Jeremy Maclin. A Cody Parkey field goal pushed the Eagles' lead to 10.

Roy Helu's rush pushed Washington within three, but time ran out before the Redskins could attempt to tie or take a last-second lead. At 1-2, the Redskins will face the New York Giants on Thursday at FedEx Field.


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