Washington Redskins Defeat Packers With Offensive Fireworks

Nov 20, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins won their second straight game coming out of a bye week. It was a great game from the team.

The Washington Redskins really needed a win on Sunday night to keep pace in the Wild Card race. The New York Giants had won earlier, meaning that a win would leave the team in third place in the NFC East. They sit there now with a 6-3-1 record after a 42-24 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Skins have the inside track to get the Wild Card spot.

Kirk Cousins was absolutely stellar during the game. The Redskins quarterback put together his best performance of the season, going 21-for-30 for a whopping 375 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers decimated secondary. He made countless great throws, but none were more impressive than the touchdown to Pierre Garcon. Cousins launched a 70 yard bomb into the wind that landed perfectly in Garcon’s hands. He put it one step in front of the defender, and Garcon was able to waltz in for the score.

Cousins’ performance bodes well for the team moving forward. He could end up becoming a catalyst for their team, especially given his likeable personality and on field ability.

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Garcon was Cousins’ favorite receiver during the contest, and he put together the best performance of his season. He had six catches for 116 yards. A good chunk of that came on the 70 yard score, but that was a great play in and of itself. Garcon should be the top option for the team, especially with DeSean Jackson limited by his shoulder injury.

In the running department, Robert Kelley once again carried the load. He had a tough time doing much against the Packers stout front early, but he broke through late. He scored three touchdowns, and had a key 66 yard burst late in the game to really solidify the Redskins win. Kelley looked more explosive as the game went on, and his physicality made him a huge weapon.

Jay Gruden deserves some credit for his play calling. He came in with an aggressive mindset and went for two a couple of times. Both conversions failed, but he trusted himself which was huge.

Perhaps his biggest call came with just six minutes left in the game. On fourth and inches on their own 40, Gruden elected to go for it as opposed to kicking into the wind. Cousins snuck forward for a yard and that allowed the team to lead the game winning drive.

On the second to last offensive drive, Cousins was able to find an open Jamison Crowder for a huge gain. The speedy receiver made it to the one yard line where Fat Rob would later punch it in. That gave the team a 11 point lead with just over four minutes left. That was too big of a comeback for the Packers to make. They turned the ball over on the ensuing possession and that allowed the Redskins to score and truly put the game out of reach.

This was a big time win for the Redskins. Now, they have a short turn around as they take on the red-hot Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. We will have all the coverage you need here at Riggo’s Rag throughout the week.

Next: Does Kirk Cousins Deserve To Be A Pro Bowler?