With Sunday's game on the line early in the fourth quarter, Redskins safety Madieu Williams knew the defense had to make a game-changing play.
It has happened in almost every game this season, beginning with Cedric Griffin's goal line forced fumble in New Orleans, and being accentuated by Ryan Kerrigan's pick-six against the Falcons last week.
Under pressure from Kerrigan and Barry Cofield up the middle, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder short-armed a pass to the flats, right into Williams's outstretched hands.
"I just saw the ball. I was keying the quarterback, he threw the ball and I was able to dive, get on my knees, and grab the ball," Williams explained. "When I looked to the right I saw Josh Wilson blocking two people, so I figured I'd take my chances going over to that side."
Following his blocks to the goal line, Williams dived at the pylon, scoring the team's fourth touchdown.
After the game, Williams acknowledged his teammates for lending a hand in coverage and the return.
"We have a strong group of character guys," Williams said. "We hung together, we played together and when things come together like that for us on Sunday, as a unit we celebrate together."
Including the four defensive touchdowns, the Redskins have registered 49 points off turnovers through six weeks this season. They had 43 points off turnovers all last season.
Williams was particularly pleased with the defensive performance in the red zone, which allowed only two touchdowns in seven Vikings' trips.
"We've been playing pretty good in the red zone over the course of the year," Williams said. "It's just one of those things where we don't want them to get down there obviously, but when they do get there we're limiting the damage to three points so it gives us a chance to win the game at the end."
Williams had every right to celebrate a win over his former team, but said beating the Vikings was just another win for his new team in Washington.
"It was nothing personal," he said. "I was there for three years and I enjoyed my stay. I just wanted to come out and play well for the guys in this locker room and play well enough to give us a chance to win."
The Redskins snapped an eight-game home losing streak that dated back to last season.
Williams said losing the first two home games of the season was tough, considering how close both scores ended up being.
However, with a win to even the record at 3-3, Williams sees his team back on the right track.
"To get a win today is something we've had our eyes set on: to come out and play well," Williams said. "To not only play well, but play the game to win.
"The guys did a great job of not losing focus; glad we were able to make plays. It just goes to show the type of character we have in this locker room."
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