Redskins at Eagles: Highlights, score and recap

The Washington Redskins kept their playoff hopes alive on Sunday, as they went into Philadelphia and beat the Eagles, 27-22.

In an incredible seesaw battle on Sunday, the Washington Redskins completed a fourth quarter comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-22. Chris Thompson took a sweep around the left side for a 25-yard touchdown to put the Redskins up five points, which would end up being the final point margin. Washington tried to go for two points to go up seven, but quarterback Kirk Cousins pass fell incomplete.

Philadelphia tried to come back with a final drive of their own, but Washington sacked Carson Wentz with a little over 20 seconds left in the game, forcing a fumble to ice the game. The fumble capped a second half that was mostly dominated by the Redskins, who struggled mightily to move the ball in the first half. Washington scored 20 of their 27 points in the second half, as they moved their record to 7-5-1.

It was a huge victory for the Redskins, who still have a chance at a second consecutive playoff berth. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants currently sit at 1 and 2 in the NFC East, so Washington will likely have to earn a wildcard spot. Last week, the Redskins lost a heartbreaker to the Arizona Cardinals, allowing 14 points in the fourth quarter, so sealing this one had to be sweet.

Cousins threw for 234 yards in the contest, with both of his touchdown passes coming in the third quarter. Running back Rob Kelley ran the ball hard all game long, continuing big drives in the second half with his bulldozer style of running. Philadelphia got a gutsy effort from their rookie signal-caller Wentz, but the team just ran out of steam at the end.

1. Rob Kelley

While he only rushed for 63 yards in the game, the impact Kelley had on this matchup cannot be understated. His bullying style of running helped extend huge drives for the Redskins in the second half, and his 22-yard touchdown to open the scoring for Washington was a thing of beauty. He kind of reminds people of a young Marshawn Lynch, and hopefully for Redskins fans, he can have that kind of career.

The Redskins got it going offensively in the second half, with Kelley providing big four and five yard gains throughout. While fellow running back Chris Thompson got the winning touchdown, it was Kelley’s runs through the tackles that enabled the Redskins to go outside with the game-winning rush. Kelley is going to have to keep up the production if the Redskins are going to make a run this December.

2. Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins did not fill up the stat sheet on Sunday, but he made plays when it counted, leading his team to an impressive comeback win. Cousins racked up two touchdown passes in the third quarter, as the Eagles erased a six-point half time deficit. He hung in the pocket during an intense pass rush from Philadelphia, and actually took off for some big first down runs to extend drives.

The Redskins need to get this man a contract now, as he continues to show that he is one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFC. He is now showing that he can win games without throwing for over 300 yards, and now has eight career second half comebacks. He led his team to a conference championship last season, and has the Redskins on the brink of another playoff appearance in 2016.

3. Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz threw for 314 yards on Sunday, showing incredible poise in the pocket. Not only was he able to move the ball pretty consistently throughout the game, but he also took some big shots after throwing the ball, while continuing to hang in the pocket. He is going to be a good one, and though he is only a rookie, his gutsy performance on Sunday was sure to gain the respect of his teammates.

Philadelphia is in good shape at the quarterback position with Wentz, though they need to get him some help on the outside. Ten of his completions went to tight end Zach Ertz, who led the team in receptions and yards. If they can draft him a play maker on the outside this coming draft, the sky is the limit for this kid who appears to be fearless on the football field.

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Odds

The Redskins are road favorites on Sunday, as they come in giving two points to the home Eagles. The line originally opened up at even, but odds makers gave the Skins a bump earlier in the week. The over/under is set at 46.5, so expect a bunch of points in this one.

Next Week

The Philadelphia Eagles will hit the road in Week 15, taking on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The Redskins will return home to take on the Carolina Panthers in a Monday Night Football matchup.