Redskins overwhelmed by Broncos
By Matthew Laux
Lead by definition means to have a position at the front. The Washington Redskins held a “lead,” 21-7, early in the second half of Sunday’s contest with the Denver Broncos. This advantage was short lived, however, as the potent Bronco offense rattled off 38 consecutive points to down the Redskins, Sunday, 45-21.
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos line up across from each other in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In the first half, everything seemed to click for Washington, after giving up a touchdown on the games opening possession. The Redskins defense made stop after stop, and the offense answered with a late 7-yard touchdown catch by Leonard Hankerson to knot the score at 7 entering halftime.
Washington seemed poised for the biggest of upsets after the defense once again stepped up, as Ryan Kerrigan stripped Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning deep in Denver territory. Quarterback Robert Griffin III and company took full use of the turnover capitalizing with a one-yard touchdown run by running back Alfred Morris. Just a few plays later; Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall intercepted a Manning pass and returned it 26 yards for the score. Suddenly, the Redskins held a 21-7 lead.
From here on out, however, it was all Broncos. Montee Ball scored the first of five-second half touchdowns just before the start of the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter was Manning’s quarter, as the crafty veteran completed three touchdown passes.
Manning’s first touchdown pass was a short 1-yard completion to tight end Joel Dreessen. Then, just about 30 seconds later, Manning found Knowshon Moreno slipping out of the backfield untouched for a 35-yard touchdown. Next, it was Demaryius Thomas’s turn to get in on the action catching another 35-yard touchdown.
After such a strong start, the Redskins faded, as both the offense and defense were unable to do their respective jobs. The thin secondary was unable guard the talented Denver receivers, and Robert Griffin III was out of sync leading to several turnovers of their own.
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
After an optimistic start, Washington was overwhelmed 45-21 by Denver. Washington fans learned the Redskins are capable of hanging with the league’s best, but it will take an all around effort to win the big games. Next week, Washington will face another AFC West team, the San Diego Chargers, in Landover, Maryland.