Redskins steal a big win, preparing for a rough road ahead

By RYAN BRAUCH

Sports Editor

The Washington Redskins avoided their usual 0-2 record start this season, with a big 27-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Following their brutal loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at home, Redskins fans were relieved to see them get a big win. Even though Washington will be coming home with a victory, they struggled to get it. Although rookie, Samaje Perine got most of the touches on offense, running back Chris Thompson carried the team early in the game by setting the bar at two rushing touchdowns along with 77 yards on only three carries.

Fighting hard through all four quarters, the Redskins earned a huge victory, putting them at a 1-1 record. Not only did the Redskins avoid falling to a 0-2 start, but everyone else in their division failed to snag a win this weekend. The Eagles were able to contain the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense.

Sean McVay’s Rams kept themselves in the game, leaning on their third year man, Todd Gurley. He even showed off his extreme athleticism by hurdling a Redskins defender completely in order to reach the pylon, making the score 20-17. Late in the fourth quarter, with the score tied, Kirk Cousins found Ryan Grant for an 11 yard touchdown catch putting the Redskins up by five.

After a disappointing rookie season, Jared Goff, the 2016 first overall pick, showed us he has what it takes to lead an NFL team. Goff continued to display his growth in this matchup with the Redskins, throwing for 224 yards and a touchdown. Ultimately, his efforts fell short as he threw and interception to Redskins’ linebacker Mason Foster ending the game.

Rookie Kareem Hunt led an offensive explosion that gave the Chiefs the edge they needed to finish off the Eagles. Meanwhile in Denver, the stingy Broncos’ defense held second year phenom Ezekiel Elliott to only eight rushing yards on only nine carries. Despite being considered the underdog in this matchup, Denver shut down the Cowboys in just about every facet, leaving them crushed with a score of 42-17.

The Detroit Lions were able to easily negate the New York Giants’ offensive efforts, as the Giants’ offensive line deteriorated with every play, leaving quarterback Eli Manning as an easy target. Lions’ linebacker Ezekiel Ansah had an absolutely outstanding performance, accounting for three of Detroit’s five sacks on Manning.

Although the Redskins were unable to come out with a win during game one of the 2017 campaign, they were able to redeem themselves with their clutch win over the Rams. With this win, they were also able to prevent themselves from falling behind early in the competitive NFC East standings. The Redskins needed this win, as they head into a rough next two weeks as they face off against the Oakland Raiders at FedEx Field for Sunday night primetime, followed by a visit to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Chiefs. After their game against the Chiefs, the Redskins have their Bye week, which should give them some time to recuperate.