Clarke County Sports: Washington sends Green Bay packing

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Washington sends Green Bay packing

By Moe Murphy / Special to Viva Loudoun

LANDOVER, MD – One would think sustained winds of 25 mph and gusts twice that much would hamper passing in a football game. That was not the case Sunday night as the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers put 735 yards passing and 6 touchdowns in the books in an aerial shootout before a nationally televised audience.

“We feel good about our personnel, that’s for sure. We just feel like we needed to put it together.” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said, “Big third down conversions, big plays, but overall a good balance by the offense.”

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 30 passes for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns, and running back Robert Kelley rushed for 137 yards and 3 scores in Washington’s 42-24 thrashing of the Green Bay Packers before 77,137 chilled fans at FedEx Field.

Cousins passed Sonny Jurgensen as the Redskins all-time leader for 300 - yard passing games with his 17^th 300 - yard game.

“I’ve always believed that rotation beats wind so if you can get a tight spiral you can cut the wind.” Cousins said, “I believe I just let it fly. I was surprised with the way it turned out, but having played in the Big 10 and growing up in the Midwest, you are used to playing in some tough elements.”

Cousins spread his passing among 7 different receivers with Pierre Garcon leading all receivers with 116 yards on 6 receptions including a 70 yard touchdown. Jamison Crowder broke the 100 yard mark with 102 yards on 3 receptions and a 53 yard score.

The Packers Aaron Rodgers is no stranger to Midwest weather and battling the elements and also passed for over 300 yards completing 26 of 41 passes for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns.

“We had a rough start to the game, three three-and-outs. It’s tough and we didn’t get going early.” Rodgers said, “Obviously the wind was a factor to start it felt like but both teams moved the ball pretty efficiently and we’ve got to do a better job at the start of the game, get a lead for our defense.”

Washington (7-3-1) took the lead late in the first quarter when Cousins connected with DeSean Jackson for a 17 yard touchdown.

Jackson returned to the lineup after being deactivated for the previous game against the Vikings due to a sore shoulder.

““It feels good. I can’t really feel it right now. It will probably be a little sore later on in the morning, but it’s a great win [and] a great team effort.” Jackson said.

Green Bay (4-6) put together their best drive of the game, a 17 play drive that used 8:29 and culminated with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. The Packers briefly held their only lead of the game when Mason Crosby connected with a 36 yard field goal to put the Pack up by 3.

The lead did not hold up for long as Kelley went in from 10 yards out with 39 seconds to go in the half. Due to the high wind condition the Redskins elected to go for two and failed, holding a 13-10 lead going into the half.

"I feel good about getting that sixth win.” Kelley said, “It’s onto the next team, Dallas. That’s a pretty good team and [we’ll] try and go in there with everything that we have.”

Green Bay twice narrowed the score to 5 points in the second half, but Washington always answered before scoring 20 points in the final quarter to ice away their seventh win, and second consecutive win at FedEx.

Although both teams surpassed 300 yards passing, the Redskins outrushed the Packers 151 to 84 with Rodgers gaining 33 yards to lead the Pack. The Redskins kept Rodgers on the run most of the night.

“Overall we rushed hard, flushed them out of pocket a little, but I liked the way they played.” Gruden said.

Safety Donte Whitner led the team with 8 solo tackles and 2 assists, Will Compton had 7 tackles and 3 assists, and Bashaud Breeland had 7 tackles and 1 assist for the Redskins defense.

Ryan Kerrigan and Chris Baker each got to Rodgers once in the sack department.

The Redskins have a short work week as the head to Dallas to face the division leading Cowboys who enter the game riding a 9 game win streak.