The Washington Redskins on Sunday found themselves in a see-saw battle with the Minnesota Vikings.
When all was said and done, however, the Vikings were able to do just enough to hold off the Redskins 29-26 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
On the day, the Redskins were able to find the end zone three times -- two via the run and one via the pass.
For a full recap, let's take a look back at the action as it happened:
No. 1: Morris Swings For The Fences
The Redskins were hoping to take advantage of a quality start from their defense after jumping out to a 3-0 lead on the opening possession of Sunday's game.
Minnesota had a three-and-out on its opening possession, and then got to the Washington 48-yard line on its next possession before it was forced to punt for a second time, which was fair caught by Andre Roberts at the Washington 9.
Robert Griffin III and the Redskins' offense quickly turned the field position in their favor on that drive, however, as their first play was a 45-yard bomb to receiver DeSean Jackson to get the Minnesota 46. They kept driving from that point with a lot of Alfred Morris, reaching the Minnesota 19 on runs of nine, 14 and four yards.
After an illegal contact penalty, the Redskins were set up with a 1st and 10 from the Vikings' 14-yard line. They had all kinds of options on the play, so head coach Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay elected to go with the read option to test the defense on first down.
The play worked to perfection. Griffin III read the linebackers and put the ball in Morris' gut, who used some terrific blocks up front – as well as from receivers Roberts and Pierre Garçon – to break free. The third-year back out of Florida Atlantic initially broke free from defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, and had an open path to the end zone from there to extend Washington's early lead.
No. 2: Don't Blink!
Facing a 1st and 10 from the Minnesota 13-yard line, Griffin III lined up under center with his halfback, Morris, behind him, his two tight ends – Jordan Reed and Niles Paul – on each side of the line in three-point stances and his two receivers –Garçon and Jackson – lined up wide on each side.
With the Redskins trailing 14-10 with just less than 7:30 left in the third quarter, Griffin III took the snap from center Kory Lichtensteiger and did a quick three-step drop before firing towards Jackson to his right, who ran a quick slant route to his left to break open.
The pass was on the money – right in Jackson's chest – and the three-time Pro Bowler came down with it around the 1-yard line before he was brought down in the end zone for the score.
Jackson did a tremendous job beating cornerback Captain Munnerlyn – a six-year veteran – from the snap to the catch, and now has four touchdown receptions on the season.
No. 3: Redskins Answer Again With Morris
The Vikings reclaimed the lead at 21-20 with 13:04 left in Sunday's game when the Redskins got their turn to answer.
The drive started from Washington's own 15 after false start penalty, and was, again, accelerated by a deep pass from Griffin III to Jackson – this time for 56 yards to the Minnesota 21-yard line. After a couple short passes got the Redskins into the red zone, Griffin III hooked up with Jackson for a six-yard gain that got Washington to the Minnesota 5.
On that play, the Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph was flagged for roughing the passer, setting up a 1st and Goal from the 2. All the Redskins had to do from there was hand the ball off to Morris, who took the misdirection handoff to the left side of the line and bulldozed his way into the end zone for the score – his second of the day.
The multi-touchdown game was the fifth of Morris' career and his second of the season, joining his two-touchdown effort vs. Jacksonville in Week 2. The rushing touchdown was also the 26th of his career, passing Earnest Byner for seventh in team history.
RELATED LINKS:
-- Redskins-Vikings Monday Stats Pack
-- Redskins Arrive Safely At Stadium After Accident
.
.
.
