The Redskins did something Sunday that they hadn’t done in their long, storied history: They came back from a 24-point deficit to win a game.
The biggest comeback win in #Redskins history. Had come back from 21 down 3 previous times.
— Rich Tandler (@Rich_TandlerCSN) October 25, 2015
Most people under 30 don’t remember the Redskins as a “storied” franchise. But those who saw their 31-30 win over the Buccaneers at FedEx Field now have a story they can tell their grandkids.
On third-and-goal from the six-yard line with 28 seconds left, Kirk Cousins threw the game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed. It was Cousins’ third TD pass of the game, his second to Reed.
After throwing two interceptions in each of the last two games, Cousins threw no picks Sunday. He completed 33 of 40 passes for 317 yards, topping his previous season high of 316.
The Redskins (3-4) secured the win when Chris Baker recovered a Charles Sims fumble at the Redskins’ 49-yard line. The Buccaneers (2-4) jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the first half. Cousins ran for an eight-yard TD before halftime. Then Cousins’ three-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Grant narrowed the deficit to 24-14.
The Redskins then recovered a surprise onside kick, and that led to Cousins’ three-yard touchdown pass to Reed and the Redskins pulled to within 24-21 with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Connor Barth kicked two field goals for the Bucs in the fourth quarter and Dustin Hopkins kicked one to set up the dramatic final minute.
Reed’s game-winning touchdown was part of an 11-catch day in his first game back from a concussion.
As storied as the Redskins’ history has been, this is the latest in a history of infamous moments for the Buccaneers.
If Cousins keeps playing the way he did Sunday, he could make a claim as the second-best quarterback in the NFC East until Tony Romo returns. The Redskins are just a half-game behind the division-leading Eagles and already own a win over them.
The Redskins still aren’t the favorite to win the division, but they showed Sunday that they can’t be counted out.