Redskins top Bears in the thriller
By Matthew Laux
So far in the Washington Redskins 2013 season, not many things had gone right for a team in hopes of repeating as NFC East champions. The Redskins had been unable to break through, as each week a different unit would play well, while another would struggle. Sunday, however, for the first time this season, Redskins fans saw just how dangerous of a team Washington is with their 45-41 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday’s contest featured the second most points all season as well as eight lead changes and several ties. The wild affair saw a seesaw battle between two potent offenses.
Led by quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Washington offense put up impressive numbers, finishing with 499 yards of total offense on the day. Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan did a fantastic job of balancing the pass and run allowing for Alfred Morris and Roy Helu Jr. to combine for 136 yards. The Redskins were also extremely efficient on third down converting several clutch plays down the stretch. On the other side, the Chicago Bears lost quarterback Jay Cutler early on to a groin injury, and in came Josh McCown. To make matters worse, also, the Bears defense lost Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman to injuries. McCown played well in place of Cutler and with the help of running back Matt Forte, who ran for 91 yards and three touchdowns, kept Chicago within striking distance.
Washington opened the scoring on their first position with a 38-yard field goal from Kai Forbath. Chicago quickly answered with a field goal of their own from Robbie Gold, 48 yards out. It was then Matt Forte’s turn to get in on the action as he punched in his first of three touchdowns from two yards away. The Redskins, then, scored two consecutive touchdowns seizing a 17-10 lead. Devin Hester had yet another fantastic return eluding defenders for an 81 yard punt return for a touchdown. The Redskins came right back, and tight end Jordan Reed scored on a three-yard reception just before the halftime break.
Chicago came out firing in the second half, and Forte took a hand off 50 yards to the house to knot the score at 24. Once again, the Washington offense answered the call, as Helu Jr. capped off a long drive with a 3-yard touchdown scamper. The back and forth battle continued as McCown drove the Bears right down the field, and Matt Forte scored his third touchdown of the contest. Under two minutes later, it was RG3 who connected with speedster Aldrick Robinson for a 45-yard touchdown catch and a 38-31 lead. For the first time all half, the Redskins drive stalled, and a punt from Sav Rocca insued. Chicago took full advantage scoring 10 straight points, and seizing a 3-point lead. The Skins were not ready to back down as Robert Griffin III orchestrated a long game- winning drive finished off once again by running back Roy Helu Jr..
Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) attempts a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The win marked a shift in the Redskins season and may be just what the doctor as Washington looks to get back in the divisional hunt. Next week, the Denver Broncos will come to town in what should be dandy, as both offenses are known to score points. The game will be a featured matchup and kick off is expected to be at 4:25 ET.