Redskins running back Chris Thompson gave Washington the lead for good on Sunday against the Eagles, dashing into the end zone for a 25-yard score with less than two minutes remaining. The run makes him a choice for Castrol Edge Clutch Performance of the Week. You can vote for him here.
With the Redskins trailing the Eagles late in Sunday's must-win game for Washington, running back Chris Thompson sealed the deal with a 25-yard touchdown on the first play following the two-minute warning.
Thompson, the Redskins' versatile back who has become quite the pass-catching threat this season, took a pitch from quarterback Kirk Cousins and went around the left side of the line where Trent Williams was waiting to pave the way for him.
From there, it was an easy touchdown run and a nomination for Castrol Edge Clutch Performance of the Week. You can vote for him here.
"I initially saw the corner that Trent was having to go block. He kept backing up because you don't want to take that on," Thompson said. "He was just trying to make a play to wait for his guys to come up. But when I saw [Brandon] Scherff running downfield, I knew it was open for me from there."
The blocking freed up Thompson to sprint into the end zone, showcasing his 4.4 speed.
"I've been telling them all the time, I can't wait to see him get in open field, cause I already know what he can do," running back Chris Thompson said. "Other people probably don't know what he can do, but I knew what he can do and that was a prime example. I wish they would have called it like on our own 20 and let him go out there and run. That's someone we're praising all year and he finally gave it to him and he made it happen."
While some wondered whether Thompson should have taken a knee closer to the goal line to prevent Philadelphia from getting the ball back, head coach Jay Gruden wasn't among those with that mindset.
"I'm happy with the decision that he made to score," Gruden said. "I'm happy with the fact that we relied on our defense to win the game and they did."
Thompson is up against New York Jets running back Bilal Powell, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Keith Tandy and Miami Dolphins kicker Andrew Franks.
