While the banner day last season in late October belonged to quarterback Trent Williams – leading the Redskins to the greatest comeback in franchise history to defeat the Buccaneers 31-30 – kicker Dustin Hopkins, like many of his teammates, played integral roles in giving Cousins his shots at success in the second half.
Namely, the onside kick in the third quarter that allowed Washington to get the ball right back after a touchdown and further cut the deficit. Hopkins had practiced and honed the ideal touch for the onside to work, and the momentum stayed with the Redskins because of it.
"It worked out perfectly," head coach Jay Gruden said after the game. "Great kick by Hopkins. Big play...Big play in the game."
Once tight end Jordan Reed caught the game-tying slant pass in the end zone with little time left, it was up to Hopkins to kick the exclamation point and seal the victory.
"The game-winning extra point you could say," Hopkins said. "But the way I look at it, it's just another aspect of the win."
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