The Redskins clinched the NFC East Saturday night with a 38-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, sending the ‘Skins into the playoffs.
The Redskins dominated the Eagles on the Eagles' home turf, though the penalty-heavy game had some strange moments. They included Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins taking a knee yards from the end zone at the end of the first half, squandering a TD attempt or at least a short field goal.
But Cousins regained his composure. He threw four touchdown passes and had a season-high 365 yards.
After the game, he told the NFL Network's Dan Hellie, "This is the happiest I have ever been as a football player."
The Redskins now get a home playoff game, an NFC Wild Card round matchup against the No. 5 seed team, now the Seattle Seahawks, according to Redskins.com. Washington's win also ended the New York Giants' playoff hopes.
Saturday's win was the Redskins' 600th, and they are only the fifth franchise in NFL history to hit that number, joining the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, the team site reported.
And one more fascinating fact about the win: The Capitals and the Wizards also won Saturday. It's the first time in 32 years that the three teams have won on the same night.
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Here's how the Redskins' game played out:
Philadelphia 7, Washington 0
Washington kicked off and watched the Eagles throw down the field quickly, capped off by a pass interference call in the end zone against Washington cornerback Will Blackmon that put the football on the one-yard line for the Eagles.
The Eagles scored on the next play.
Philadelphia 7, Washington 6
After a slow start, the Redkins made a possession worth it late in the first quarter. Cousins connected Jordan Reed with for the 'Skins first touchdown of the game.
However, kicker Dustin Hopkins' extra point attempt was not good. There was a long delay before the kick, due to offsetting penalties as players tangled.
Washington 13, Philadelphia 7
Cousins connected with Reed again, and this time Hopkins redeemed himself with the extra point. With a minute to go in the first quarter, the Redskins were on top.
Washington 13, Philadelphia 10
After a series of flag-riddled possessions, the Eagles settle for a field goal to cut the 'Skins lead to three.
Washington 16, Philadelphia 10
The Redskins may have caught a break, picking up the ball after the Eagles lost it on what was ruled a fumble. But they couldn’t turn that into a touchdown, settling for a field goal just before the half.
The rest of the quarter was littered with flags. Then, with just six seconds to go in the half and just yards to the goal line, Cousins took a knee -- and the half ended with a whimper instead of a touchdown or at least a field goal.
Washington 23, Philadelphia 10
Fortunately, the third quarter opened better for Washington, with Cousins hitting running back Chris Thompson for a TD early. The extra point was good.
Washington 23, Philadelphia 17
With about 5 minutes to go in the third quarter, the Eagles answered back, scoring a quick TD -- aided by a Washington penalty -- to cut into the Redskins' lead again.
Washington 30, Philadelphia 17
Then, in a move that left Lincoln Financial Field silent, DeAngelo Hall scooped up a Eagles fumble and headed to the end zone, scoring again.
Washington 38, Philadelphia 17
Pierrce Garcon caught another Cousins laser with about 9 minutes to go in the game, and this time the Redskins went for the extra points -- making a two-point conversion to bring their lead to 21 points.
Washington 38, Philadelphia 24
The Eagles managed another TD with just under 5 minutes to go in the game, then secured the extra point. That was it for the scoring, and Washington waltzed into the playoffs.
