CINCINNATI - Mike Nugent booted through a 23 yard field goal as the Bengals retake a 30-28 lead over the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter Monday night.
The Bengals powered to a 20-7 halftime advantage on Jeremy Hill's 85 yard touchdown gash and Andy Dalton's floating toss to Jermaine Gresham from 2 yards.
But Peyton Manning being Peyton Manning, pay dirt was bound to be struck sooner or later, and the driving rainstorm that enveloped southwestern Ohio would little stop him.
Manning flung two touchdowns in the third quarter as the home Bengals were suddenly on the wrong end of a 28-27 scoreline. He connected with Emmanuel Sanders on the two strikes, and Sanders' 33 yard gainer to set up his first came on a 3rd-and-3 to the Bengals 15.
Manning was intercepted twice, by Adam Jones on the Broncos 34 and Reggie Nelson on the Denver 25.
C.J. Anderson rushed from a yard for Denver and Cincy's Giovani Bernard caught a 22 yard catch-and-run score in the third. Anderson's run was set up by Omar Bolden's 77 yard kick return and Bernard's by the ensuing scamper by Adam Jones to the Broncos 27.
Taylor Mays recorded the first sack of his career in the final period when he nailed Manning on a 3rd-and-18 against his goal line.
Andy Dalton was intercepted in the first quarter when his throw for A.J. Green went high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who leaped to his feet darted the other way 33 yards for the score. Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward rammed his helmet into the receiver's right arm when he went up for the catch.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Talib and Hill produce 7-7 tie early
CINCINNATI - Both sides have scored touchdowns on one play drives Monday night.
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib intercepted Andy Dalton and returned 33 yards for a touchdown and Bengals back Jeremy Hill raced 85 yards for a score as Denver and Cincinnati are tied 7-7 early.
Dalton had A.J. Green open on a crossing route, but put the ball far above his head and into the arms of Talib, who scrambled through traffic for the score.
Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward drove his helmet into the receiver's right arm, which he left the field holding.
But Hill would respond 23 seconds later on the home side's succeeding possession, powering over the right side and outracing the misdirected coverage to bring the Bengals on the board.
Peyton Manning is 1-of-2 for 21 yards for Denver, who has clinched a postseason berth.
Cincinnati will host Pittsburgh for each team's season finale to determine a playoff position from the AFC North.
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib intercepted Andy Dalton and returned 33 yards for a touchdown and Bengals back Jeremy Hill raced 85 yards for a score as Denver and Cincinnati are tied 7-7 early.
Dalton had A.J. Green open on a crossing route, but put the ball far above his head and into the arms of Talib, who scrambled through traffic for the score.
Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward drove his helmet into the receiver's right arm, which he left the field holding.
But Hill would respond 23 seconds later on the home side's succeeding possession, powering over the right side and outracing the misdirected coverage to bring the Bengals on the board.
Peyton Manning is 1-of-2 for 21 yards for Denver, who has clinched a postseason berth.
Cincinnati will host Pittsburgh for each team's season finale to determine a playoff position from the AFC North.
Garrett: Cowboys will play starters
IRVING, Tex. - Despite clinching a postseason appearance, the Dallas Cowboys will not sit their starters next week against the Washington Redskins, head coach Jason Garrett said Monday.
"You play guys," Garrett said. "You get sixteen opportunities and you go play and go try and play your best football."
Their best football was achieved on Sunday when Garrett's Cowboys harassed the Colts in a 42-7 laugher that saw Tony Romo throw four touchdowns and Andrew Luck thrown to the bench. Romo had two incompletions and Luck two interceptions on the day.
Dallas (11-4) technically, though not practically, has a shot at a first-round bye with a win over the Redskins and if the 49ers and Rams can both get victories next week.
San Francisco hosts the Arizona Cardinals, who will reportedly start rookie quarterback Logan Thomas, and St. Louis visits the Seattle Seahawks.
Playing spoiler is a role Washington was ready for Saturday night when they handed the Eagles the upset that would, with the Cowboys' decision over the Colts the next day, bounce Philadelphia from the postseason.
"What we're going to do is we're going to practice as well as we can practice and go play our best football game," Garrett said. "We play the early game up there [Washington] so all the scenarios everybody is talking about no one will know what those are, so we got to go play our best football."
DeMarco Murray carried 22 times for 58 yards rushing and a touchdown in the team's rout of Indy after having surgery on a broken hand six days before, so any extra rest will likely aid the Cowboys' postseason cause.
Murray has a league-best 1,745 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Garrett did not specify to what degree his starters would face off against the Redskins on Sunday.
"Our football team, we need to play," the coach said. "We need to go play and play well."
"You play guys," Garrett said. "You get sixteen opportunities and you go play and go try and play your best football."
Their best football was achieved on Sunday when Garrett's Cowboys harassed the Colts in a 42-7 laugher that saw Tony Romo throw four touchdowns and Andrew Luck thrown to the bench. Romo had two incompletions and Luck two interceptions on the day.
Dallas (11-4) technically, though not practically, has a shot at a first-round bye with a win over the Redskins and if the 49ers and Rams can both get victories next week.
San Francisco hosts the Arizona Cardinals, who will reportedly start rookie quarterback Logan Thomas, and St. Louis visits the Seattle Seahawks.
Playing spoiler is a role Washington was ready for Saturday night when they handed the Eagles the upset that would, with the Cowboys' decision over the Colts the next day, bounce Philadelphia from the postseason.
"What we're going to do is we're going to practice as well as we can practice and go play our best football game," Garrett said. "We play the early game up there [Washington] so all the scenarios everybody is talking about no one will know what those are, so we got to go play our best football."
DeMarco Murray carried 22 times for 58 yards rushing and a touchdown in the team's rout of Indy after having surgery on a broken hand six days before, so any extra rest will likely aid the Cowboys' postseason cause.
Murray has a league-best 1,745 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Garrett did not specify to what degree his starters would face off against the Redskins on Sunday.
"Our football team, we need to play," the coach said. "We need to go play and play well."
Chip Kelly doesn't regret releasing Jackson
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is adamant that releasing receiver DeSean Jackson last season was not a mistake.
Jackson caught four passes for 126 yards for his new team, the Washington Redskins, in their 27-24 upset of Philadelphia that all but bounced the Eagles from the playoffs.
The Cowboys' romp over the Colts the next day clinched that fact.
"We feel confident in what we did," Kelly said after that game. "He played real well against us. Give him credit. He's a good football player."
His two catches, of 51 and 55 yards, set up two Redskins touchdowns, and both came against much-embattled cornerback Bradley Fletcher.
He has 243 yards this season in two games against the Eagles, to whom they fell 37-34 in Week 3 in Philadelphia. Jackson had an 81 yard touchdown catch in that contest and finished with 117 yards on ten other catches.
Jackson has 54 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns on the season for the Redskins.
Jackson caught four passes for 126 yards for his new team, the Washington Redskins, in their 27-24 upset of Philadelphia that all but bounced the Eagles from the playoffs.
The Cowboys' romp over the Colts the next day clinched that fact.
"We feel confident in what we did," Kelly said after that game. "He played real well against us. Give him credit. He's a good football player."
His two catches, of 51 and 55 yards, set up two Redskins touchdowns, and both came against much-embattled cornerback Bradley Fletcher.
He has 243 yards this season in two games against the Eagles, to whom they fell 37-34 in Week 3 in Philadelphia. Jackson had an 81 yard touchdown catch in that contest and finished with 117 yards on ten other catches.
Jackson has 54 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns on the season for the Redskins.
Peyton Manning questionable on Monday night
CINCINNATI - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been listed as questionable for the team's Monday night meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals after sustaining a thigh injury eight days ago.
He is expected to start the game, though was limited in practice over the past week after taking a shot to his thigh by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler.
Manning played the second half of that game, a 22-10 victory for the Broncos.
The five-time league MVP did not miss a start over 16 of his 17 seasons, missing the 2011 campaign with the Colts after having spinal surgery.
He is expected to start the game, though was limited in practice over the past week after taking a shot to his thigh by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler.
Manning played the second half of that game, a 22-10 victory for the Broncos.
The five-time league MVP did not miss a start over 16 of his 17 seasons, missing the 2011 campaign with the Colts after having spinal surgery.
Browns: Manziel out, Hoyer hurt
BEREA, Ohio - Johnny Manziel is out and Brian Hoyer is day-to-day for the Cleveland Browns when they host the Baltimore Ravens in their season finale on Sunday.
Manziel sustained a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Browns' 17-13 loss at Carolina yesterday.
"The hamstring was pretty significant," head coach Mike Pettine said afterwards, also calling it a "several-week injury."
Hoyer relieved Manziel in that game, going 7-for-13 on 134 yards, tossing an 81 yard touchdown to Jordan Cameron that gave the Browns a brief 13-10 lead.
Though his right shoulder was injured on a 7 yard sack and left the field slowly, complaining afterwards of breathing trouble.
Manziel went 3-of-8 for 32 yards in that contest, his second start for the Browns, his first ending in a 30-0 shutout at the hands of Cincinnati.
South Carolina rookie Connor Shaw has been called up from the team's practice squad and will take reps with the first team in practice. Should Hoyer not be ready Sunday, Shaw will get the start.
Cleveland (7-8) lost their last four games and five of their last six after entering that stretch with a 6-3 mark and their sights on a postseason berth from the competitive AFC North.
Manziel sustained a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Browns' 17-13 loss at Carolina yesterday.
"The hamstring was pretty significant," head coach Mike Pettine said afterwards, also calling it a "several-week injury."
Hoyer relieved Manziel in that game, going 7-for-13 on 134 yards, tossing an 81 yard touchdown to Jordan Cameron that gave the Browns a brief 13-10 lead.
Though his right shoulder was injured on a 7 yard sack and left the field slowly, complaining afterwards of breathing trouble.
Manziel went 3-of-8 for 32 yards in that contest, his second start for the Browns, his first ending in a 30-0 shutout at the hands of Cincinnati.
South Carolina rookie Connor Shaw has been called up from the team's practice squad and will take reps with the first team in practice. Should Hoyer not be ready Sunday, Shaw will get the start.
Cleveland (7-8) lost their last four games and five of their last six after entering that stretch with a 6-3 mark and their sights on a postseason berth from the competitive AFC North.
Lions center suspended
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola has been suspended one game by the NFL for stomping on Bears tackle Ego Ferguson's ankle in their game Sunday at Soldier Field.
Raiola stepped on Ferguson's right ankle at the end of a tackle in the third quarter of that game and will miss the Lions' regular season finale with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday in a game that will decide the winner of the NFC North.
Game officials did not see the incident and no penalty was called.
"I did not try to stomp on his ankle," Raiola said after the game. "I'm not going to try to take somebody out of the game."
Raiola was stumbling on the tail end of a pile near the end of a rush. He appeared to have a chance to avoid Ferguson's outstretched leg, but stopped his progress intentionally to step on it.
"It was totally unintentional," he said. "I remember I was stumbling out. I didn't see the end of it. I apologized at the end of the game, told him it was unintentional and we shook hands and that was it."
That was not it, according to Ferguson, who was injured on the play but returned to the field soon after.
"None of that matters," he said. "We all saw the play. You can't take back what happened with that play. That's the end of it.
"I haven't seen the replay," he added, "but I am pretty sure I know what happened. I told the man to keep it between the lines. He said a couple words during the game and a couple words at the end of the game but at the end of the day, it's on the film. The film don't lie."
Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he accepted his center's version of the story though also understood why the league was looking into the incident.
Bears receiver disagreed with Caldwell's assessment.
"He should be banned from the NFL," Marshall said of Raiola to the Chicago Tribune. "This guy is a dirty player and he's a worse human being."
Raiola has the right to appeal the suspension per the collective bargaining agreement, though should he lose, rookie Travis Swanson will likely start in his place.
Raiola stepped on Ferguson's right ankle at the end of a tackle in the third quarter of that game and will miss the Lions' regular season finale with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday in a game that will decide the winner of the NFC North.
Game officials did not see the incident and no penalty was called.
"I did not try to stomp on his ankle," Raiola said after the game. "I'm not going to try to take somebody out of the game."
Raiola was stumbling on the tail end of a pile near the end of a rush. He appeared to have a chance to avoid Ferguson's outstretched leg, but stopped his progress intentionally to step on it.
"It was totally unintentional," he said. "I remember I was stumbling out. I didn't see the end of it. I apologized at the end of the game, told him it was unintentional and we shook hands and that was it."
That was not it, according to Ferguson, who was injured on the play but returned to the field soon after.
"None of that matters," he said. "We all saw the play. You can't take back what happened with that play. That's the end of it.
"I haven't seen the replay," he added, "but I am pretty sure I know what happened. I told the man to keep it between the lines. He said a couple words during the game and a couple words at the end of the game but at the end of the day, it's on the film. The film don't lie."
Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he accepted his center's version of the story though also understood why the league was looking into the incident.
Bears receiver disagreed with Caldwell's assessment.
"He should be banned from the NFL," Marshall said of Raiola to the Chicago Tribune. "This guy is a dirty player and he's a worse human being."
Raiola has the right to appeal the suspension per the collective bargaining agreement, though should he lose, rookie Travis Swanson will likely start in his place.
Bears: Cutler will start, Clausen concussed
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Chicago Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen will be out on Sunday after suffering a concussion in the team's last meeting with Detroit.
Jay Cutler will return under center for the Bears' finale against Minnesota.
Clausen was injured in a head-to-head hit by Detroit's Ezekiel Ansah on a late scramble, a tackle for which Ansah was penalized for unnecessary roughness.
Clausen, a former Notre Dame starter, completed 23-of-39 passes for 181 yards against the Lions, a game in which the Bears once led 14-10 before allowing ten unanswered points in defeat.
The Bears said Clausen passed all his tests with their physicians and experienced no concussion symptoms, but did speak of some issues later in the day.
Clausen made his first start on Sunday since 2010 with Carolina.
Jay Cutler will return under center for the Bears' finale against Minnesota.
Clausen was injured in a head-to-head hit by Detroit's Ezekiel Ansah on a late scramble, a tackle for which Ansah was penalized for unnecessary roughness.
Clausen, a former Notre Dame starter, completed 23-of-39 passes for 181 yards against the Lions, a game in which the Bears once led 14-10 before allowing ten unanswered points in defeat.
The Bears said Clausen passed all his tests with their physicians and experienced no concussion symptoms, but did speak of some issues later in the day.
Clausen made his first start on Sunday since 2010 with Carolina.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Romo breaks record, Luck benched
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Tony Romo flung his 15th straight completion on his fourth touchdown of the day as the Cowboys harass the Colts 35-0 in the third quarter Sunday.
Jason Witten raced down the middle for a 25 yard touchdown. He and Dez Bryant set up the drive with a pair of 10 yard receptions.
Romo secured the Cowboys franchise passing record, surpassing Troy Aikman with 32,961 yards. He's pitching a shutout with a stellar 17-for-18 mark on 208 yards Sunday.
DeMarco Murray has 58 yards on 22 rushes in limited play for the Cowboys (10-4), returning after having surgery on his broken hand this week.
Andrew Luck was benched for Matt Hasselbeck in the third quarter, finishing with a career-low 109 yards and two interceptions in 31 seconds time.
Anthony Hitchens caught a pass deflected at the line. But Dan Bailey missed his 52 yard field goal try wide right, only his fourth miss this season.
Luck was also picked by J.J. Wilcox in the end zone with 10 seconds left in the first half.
Colts punter Pat McAfee outgained his backfield with his foot 134-3.
Jason Witten raced down the middle for a 25 yard touchdown. He and Dez Bryant set up the drive with a pair of 10 yard receptions.
Romo secured the Cowboys franchise passing record, surpassing Troy Aikman with 32,961 yards. He's pitching a shutout with a stellar 17-for-18 mark on 208 yards Sunday.
DeMarco Murray has 58 yards on 22 rushes in limited play for the Cowboys (10-4), returning after having surgery on his broken hand this week.
Andrew Luck was benched for Matt Hasselbeck in the third quarter, finishing with a career-low 109 yards and two interceptions in 31 seconds time.
Anthony Hitchens caught a pass deflected at the line. But Dan Bailey missed his 52 yard field goal try wide right, only his fourth miss this season.
Luck was also picked by J.J. Wilcox in the end zone with 10 seconds left in the first half.
Colts punter Pat McAfee outgained his backfield with his foot 134-3.
Luck picked to end first half vs Boys
ARLINGTON, Tex. - J.J. Wilcox picked off Andrew Luck in the end zone with ten seconds left in the first half at Jerry World on Sunday.
The second year safety returned 46 yards as time expired and the Cowboys lead the Indianapolis Colts 28-0 in what is on course for an easy division-clincher for Dallas.
Dallas (10-4) jumped out to a four-touchdown lead on three scoring passes from Tony Romo and a 1 yard rush from DeMarco Murray.
Murray has 40 yards rushing on 14 attempts in limited play as he returns to action after having surgery on his broken hand this week. Quarterback Romo added 21 yards on 2 carries in the first frame.
Dez Bryant hauled in a 19 yard score after the Colts ventured a fake punt deep in their territory. Punter Pat McAfee threw an accurate pass but Dewey McDonald turned his head before securing the catch.
With a Cowboys win and an Eagles loss to the Redskins on Saturday, Philadelphia looks to be eliminated from the postseason after holding the lead in the NFC East for most of the season.
The second year safety returned 46 yards as time expired and the Cowboys lead the Indianapolis Colts 28-0 in what is on course for an easy division-clincher for Dallas.
Dallas (10-4) jumped out to a four-touchdown lead on three scoring passes from Tony Romo and a 1 yard rush from DeMarco Murray.
Murray has 40 yards rushing on 14 attempts in limited play as he returns to action after having surgery on his broken hand this week. Quarterback Romo added 21 yards on 2 carries in the first frame.
Dez Bryant hauled in a 19 yard score after the Colts ventured a fake punt deep in their territory. Punter Pat McAfee threw an accurate pass but Dewey McDonald turned his head before securing the catch.
With a Cowboys win and an Eagles loss to the Redskins on Saturday, Philadelphia looks to be eliminated from the postseason after holding the lead in the NFC East for most of the season.
Murray, Cowboys handling Colts 28-0
ARLINGTON, Tex. - DeMarco Murray has a 1 yard touchdown rush in the second quarter as the Cowboys lead the Indianapolis Colts 28-0 on Sunday.
Murray returned to action after having surgery on his broken hand this week.
He has 40 yards on 14 rushes and his score came on the tenth play of a 67 yard drive catapulted by a 20 yard pass-play to Jason Witten.
The Cowboys lead the Colts passing 150-17, in rushing 81-1, and 231-18 in total yards. Colts end Dwayne Allen has three dropped passes, all potential long gainers.
Tony Romo is 12-of-13 for 150 yards passing and has flung three touchdown passes, to Terrance Williams, Dez Bryant, and Cole Beasley.
Dallas (10-4) can eliminate the Eagles from the postseason race definitively with a win today. The Eagles were upset Saturday night in a three-point victory by the Washington Redskins.
Murray returned to action after having surgery on his broken hand this week.
He has 40 yards on 14 rushes and his score came on the tenth play of a 67 yard drive catapulted by a 20 yard pass-play to Jason Witten.
The Cowboys lead the Colts passing 150-17, in rushing 81-1, and 231-18 in total yards. Colts end Dwayne Allen has three dropped passes, all potential long gainers.
Tony Romo is 12-of-13 for 150 yards passing and has flung three touchdown passes, to Terrance Williams, Dez Bryant, and Cole Beasley.
Dallas (10-4) can eliminate the Eagles from the postseason race definitively with a win today. The Eagles were upset Saturday night in a three-point victory by the Washington Redskins.
Cowboys' Murray active vs Colts
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is active for the team's game Sunday against the Colts.
Murray had surgery this week on a bone in his hand that was broken in the Cowboys' game in Philadelphia last Sunday.
It was quarterback Tony Romo, however, who led the Cowboys rushing early, gaining 21 yards on 2 rushes in their first drive. Murray has 16 yards on 7 attempts as the Cowboys outgained the Colts 37 to -1 on the ground and 52-0 passing.
The Cowboys are leading the Colts 14-0.
Dallas scored their two touchdowns in a 2:13 span, their second coming after the Colts ventured a fake punt deep in their territory. Indy punter Pat McAfee threw an accurate pass but Dewey McDonald dropped it when he turned his head before securing the catch.
Dallas (10-4) answered with a 19 yard touchdown to Dez Bryant. Terrance Williams has the Cowboys' other score, a 9 yard pass from Tony Romo.
Murray had surgery this week on a bone in his hand that was broken in the Cowboys' game in Philadelphia last Sunday.
It was quarterback Tony Romo, however, who led the Cowboys rushing early, gaining 21 yards on 2 rushes in their first drive. Murray has 16 yards on 7 attempts as the Cowboys outgained the Colts 37 to -1 on the ground and 52-0 passing.
The Cowboys are leading the Colts 14-0.
Dallas scored their two touchdowns in a 2:13 span, their second coming after the Colts ventured a fake punt deep in their territory. Indy punter Pat McAfee threw an accurate pass but Dewey McDonald dropped it when he turned his head before securing the catch.
Dallas (10-4) answered with a 19 yard touchdown to Dez Bryant. Terrance Williams has the Cowboys' other score, a 9 yard pass from Tony Romo.
Lions clinch playoff spot
LANDOVER, Md. - The good people of Detroit are very grateful Saturday night to the good people of Philadelphia.
Or rather, to the bedraggled and beleaguered eleven in white and green who fell in a 27-24 upset to the Washington Redskins this evening.
And in so doing, propelled their previously hapless and ever-beloved Detroit Lions into the postseason without needing a victory in either of their final two regular season contests.
Playing extra football for the first time since 2011 and the second time in four seasons, Detroit gets a boost of confidence when they head to Soldier Field to face Jimmy Clausen's Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Lions hold a first-place tie with the Packers for the NFC North, though hold a tiebreaker thanks to their 19-7 victory over Green Bay in Week 3.
Lambeau Field will likely decide the division winner when both sides meet in their rematch Dec. 28.
Or rather, to the bedraggled and beleaguered eleven in white and green who fell in a 27-24 upset to the Washington Redskins this evening.
And in so doing, propelled their previously hapless and ever-beloved Detroit Lions into the postseason without needing a victory in either of their final two regular season contests.
Playing extra football for the first time since 2011 and the second time in four seasons, Detroit gets a boost of confidence when they head to Soldier Field to face Jimmy Clausen's Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Lions hold a first-place tie with the Packers for the NFC North, though hold a tiebreaker thanks to their 19-7 victory over Green Bay in Week 3.
Lambeau Field will likely decide the division winner when both sides meet in their rematch Dec. 28.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Redskins down Eagles 27-24; Birds practically out
LANDOVER, Md. - Washington: first in war, first in peace, last in the NFC East.
Though after sixty minutes, two missed field goals, and four combined turnovers, the nation's current capitol would chuck its first practically out of view of their once-assured postseason hopes.
Robert Griffin flung the pigskin for 220 yards and Kai Forbath booted the game-winner as the Washington Redskins hand the Philadelphia Eagles their third-straight defeat with a 27-24 decision on Saturday night.
Washington (4-11) nixed a six-game losing habit with the win over their rivals.
Mark Sanchez tossed an interception on the Eagles' last chance to set up the Redskins' go-ahead 50 yard drive.
"We wanted to spoil their Christmas and send them home," Griffin said, "and we did our part."
Griffin secured his first complete-game victory of the season, a campaign hampered by injury, awkward play, a benching, and a sudden start Saturday in relief of Colt McCoy, recently added to the team's injured-reserve list.
"[He] did an outstanding job of managing the football game," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.
"Love the way our team battled and competed," Gruden added. "There's been a lot of talk about people quitting and you can see what type of guys we have. Guys didn't quit."
Darrel Young pounded for two touchdowns as the Redskins blanked the Eagles 14-0 in the third quarter for a ten-point advantage. He capped off drives of 76 and 64 yards, both from a yard out after Eagles penalties in the end zone.
"You would think a 3-11 football team would just quit, and we're not," Griffin said afterwards.
It was trouble early on for the Eagles as they traded touchdowns with the upset-minded Redskins. Alfred Morris for Washington and LeSean McCoy for Philadelphia rushed for scores in the opening frame.
Morris finished with 83 yards on 21 rushes and DeSean Jackson's 4 grabs netted 126 yards through the air against his former club.
Philadelphia (9-6) was flagged 13 times for 102 yards, including two occasions of roughing Robert Griffin that led to a touchdown and twice more on what became the Redskins' game-winning drive.
"We didn't go enough good things to win obviously," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said afterwards.
Kelly's Birds suffered two turnovers to bring the count to a league-worst 35, both from quarterback Mark Sanchez.
His first quarter fumble and fourth quarter interception both produced field goals, the latter to in essence sink the Eagles' season.
Sanchez went 37-of-50 for 374 yards and two touchdowns to Riley Cooper, in the second quarter to give Philly the 14-10 lead and a fourth quarter toss from 16 yards during their failed comeback bid.
Zach Ertz secured 15 receptions for Philadelphia, a career-best outing, finishing with 115 yards in defeat.
"Ertz just went off, had an awesome day," Sanchez said afterwards.
The Eagles had a perfect chance to enlarge their lead after the Redskins' Andre Roberts fumbled the kick to open the second half. Malcolm Jenkins punched the ball from Roberts' grasp and Nolan Carroll recovered to give the Eagles possession on the 'Skins 16.
But Cody Parkey would miss the first of two sliced kicks, having only missed two the entire season before then.
"That was big," Kelly said. "You wanna start off with points. We get the ball out there, we think we'll at least get three, but that's what the game was like all night."
LeSean McCoy finished with 88 yards on 22 rushes and a score for the Eagles, who are eliminated from the playoffs if the Cowboys win on Sunday.
In the meantime, Philadelphia closes their regular season at the Giants.
"One game left. We got to get ready and focused for the New York Giants. We got to win that game," Chip Kelly said.
Though after sixty minutes, two missed field goals, and four combined turnovers, the nation's current capitol would chuck its first practically out of view of their once-assured postseason hopes.
Robert Griffin flung the pigskin for 220 yards and Kai Forbath booted the game-winner as the Washington Redskins hand the Philadelphia Eagles their third-straight defeat with a 27-24 decision on Saturday night.
Washington (4-11) nixed a six-game losing habit with the win over their rivals.
Mark Sanchez tossed an interception on the Eagles' last chance to set up the Redskins' go-ahead 50 yard drive.
"We wanted to spoil their Christmas and send them home," Griffin said, "and we did our part."
Griffin secured his first complete-game victory of the season, a campaign hampered by injury, awkward play, a benching, and a sudden start Saturday in relief of Colt McCoy, recently added to the team's injured-reserve list.
"[He] did an outstanding job of managing the football game," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.
"Love the way our team battled and competed," Gruden added. "There's been a lot of talk about people quitting and you can see what type of guys we have. Guys didn't quit."
Darrel Young pounded for two touchdowns as the Redskins blanked the Eagles 14-0 in the third quarter for a ten-point advantage. He capped off drives of 76 and 64 yards, both from a yard out after Eagles penalties in the end zone.
"You would think a 3-11 football team would just quit, and we're not," Griffin said afterwards.
It was trouble early on for the Eagles as they traded touchdowns with the upset-minded Redskins. Alfred Morris for Washington and LeSean McCoy for Philadelphia rushed for scores in the opening frame.
Morris finished with 83 yards on 21 rushes and DeSean Jackson's 4 grabs netted 126 yards through the air against his former club.
Philadelphia (9-6) was flagged 13 times for 102 yards, including two occasions of roughing Robert Griffin that led to a touchdown and twice more on what became the Redskins' game-winning drive.
"We didn't go enough good things to win obviously," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said afterwards.
Kelly's Birds suffered two turnovers to bring the count to a league-worst 35, both from quarterback Mark Sanchez.
His first quarter fumble and fourth quarter interception both produced field goals, the latter to in essence sink the Eagles' season.
Sanchez went 37-of-50 for 374 yards and two touchdowns to Riley Cooper, in the second quarter to give Philly the 14-10 lead and a fourth quarter toss from 16 yards during their failed comeback bid.
Zach Ertz secured 15 receptions for Philadelphia, a career-best outing, finishing with 115 yards in defeat.
"Ertz just went off, had an awesome day," Sanchez said afterwards.
The Eagles had a perfect chance to enlarge their lead after the Redskins' Andre Roberts fumbled the kick to open the second half. Malcolm Jenkins punched the ball from Roberts' grasp and Nolan Carroll recovered to give the Eagles possession on the 'Skins 16.
But Cody Parkey would miss the first of two sliced kicks, having only missed two the entire season before then.
"That was big," Kelly said. "You wanna start off with points. We get the ball out there, we think we'll at least get three, but that's what the game was like all night."
LeSean McCoy finished with 88 yards on 22 rushes and a score for the Eagles, who are eliminated from the playoffs if the Cowboys win on Sunday.
In the meantime, Philadelphia closes their regular season at the Giants.
"One game left. We got to get ready and focused for the New York Giants. We got to win that game," Chip Kelly said.
Redskins end Eagles' season 27-24
LANDOVER, Md. - Kai Forbath kicked the game-winning field goal as the Washington Redskins bounce the Philadelphia Eagles from playoff contention with a 27-24 victory on Saturday night.
The 26 yard clincher was set up after Bashaud Breeland intercepted Mark Sanchez on a late Eagles charge.
Pierre Garcon snagged a 23 yard catch-and-run and the Eagles flubbed on two penalties when Robert Griffin was roughed by Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin jumped offsides.
Griffin finished 16-for-23 on 220 yards passing for the Redskins (4-11) after getting the starting nod this week following Colt McCoy's neck injury at the Giants six days ago.
The victory was Griffin's first since Week 2 over Jacksonville, the game in which he dislocated his ankle.
Philadelphia (9-6) tied the match after Riley Cooper snagged a 16 yard score and Cody Parkey kicked clean after the Eagles intercepted Griffin in the fourth.
Darrel Young rushed for two 1 yard touchdowns in the third quarter, a 14-0 scoring blitz and ten-point lead for the home side.
DeSean Jackson caught passes of 51 and 55 yards for the Redskins over his former team and Cody Parkey missed two straight field goals for the Eagles, both setting up Young's rushes.
Dallas is one victory from securing a playoff berth and host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The 26 yard clincher was set up after Bashaud Breeland intercepted Mark Sanchez on a late Eagles charge.
Pierre Garcon snagged a 23 yard catch-and-run and the Eagles flubbed on two penalties when Robert Griffin was roughed by Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin jumped offsides.
Griffin finished 16-for-23 on 220 yards passing for the Redskins (4-11) after getting the starting nod this week following Colt McCoy's neck injury at the Giants six days ago.
The victory was Griffin's first since Week 2 over Jacksonville, the game in which he dislocated his ankle.
Philadelphia (9-6) tied the match after Riley Cooper snagged a 16 yard score and Cody Parkey kicked clean after the Eagles intercepted Griffin in the fourth.
Darrel Young rushed for two 1 yard touchdowns in the third quarter, a 14-0 scoring blitz and ten-point lead for the home side.
DeSean Jackson caught passes of 51 and 55 yards for the Redskins over his former team and Cody Parkey missed two straight field goals for the Eagles, both setting up Young's rushes.
Dallas is one victory from securing a playoff berth and host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
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