Redskins’ comeback thwarted by blown coverage, then fumble

“I’m pretty mad at the football gods for putting him in the NFC East,” Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said. “To face that guy twice a year is going to be a headache. He takes away from your enthusiasm for the game a little bit.”

The Redskins had new life. Three plays later, Griffin lobbed a touchdown to Moss to put Washington ahead, 23-20. Moss ran past rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley down the seam. “Perfect throw,” Moss said. “Perfect touch. Put it in the air where I could run to it.”

“I saw one high safety, the safety rolled the other way, and I’ve got Santana Moss one-on-one against a rookie,” Griffin said.

He grinned, aware of the irony in him exploiting a rookie.

“I’m a rookie myself,” he said, “but you have to take advantage of that.”

It was an epic comeback. And it was gone in 19 seconds.

Manning redeemed himself from two earlier interceptions. Cruz, from the right slot, ran past cornerback Josh Wilson and free safety Madieu Williams. It was double coverage, Shanahan said.

Given the situation, the Redskins could not afford to be beaten deep, yet that’s exactly what happened. Neither Wilson nor Williams offered insight after the game.

“They made a play,” Williams said, echoing Wilson’s quote.

Griffin had one last chance. He believed the Redskins would prevail, but the magic ran out.

Moss fumbled at the Redskins‘ 43-yard line. He initially protected the ball with two hands, but he lost it when he braced himself to hit the ground after linebacker Chase Blackburn hit him.

When the ride finally stopped, and the Redskins ended in a valley, Griffin expressed pride that he put the team in position to win despite his two turnovers.

He finished speaking to reporters, slipped a backpack over his shoulders and pulled a suitcase behind him. He walked out of MetLife Stadium a little smarter and no less determined.

© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.