The Washington Redskins started fast and made the lead last, defeating the Buffalo Bills, 35-25 and now have first place in the NFC East all to themselves, all before their fired up fans at FedEx Field.
With the Eagles (6-8) Giants (6-8) and Cowboys (4-10) all losing, the Redskins have sole possession of first place with a (7-7) record and can win the division with a win against the Eagles in their next game in Philadelphia.
With last weeks seasons-first road win over the Chicago Bears 24-21, Washington has now won back to back games for the first time all season. They also finished the season 6-2 at home, their best effort since 2005.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins shined in the game while leading the team to touchdowns on their first three possessions and opening up a 21-0 advantage.
He finished the game 22 of 28 for 319 yards and a career-tying four passing touchdowns. He also scored on a 13-yard quarterback keeper. Cousins had scoring passes to three different receivers and his favorite target was tight end Jordan Reed who had seven catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
Redskin deep-threat DeSean Jackson did his thing, catching six passes for a team-high 153 yards, including a dazzling 77-yard catch and run for a touchdown which gave the Skins a 28-3 third quarter lead.
The Bills responded with two third quarter touchdowns and closed the gap to 28-17 with 3:48 to go in the quarter.
Washington countered by converting a big third down which led to a touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon to increase the lead to 35-17 with 11:16 to go in the game.
The Bills continued to rally and scored a late touchdown and two-point conversion making the score 35-25 with 1:26 to play in the game. Their onside kick attempt was caught by Garcon which allowed the Redskins to churn the clock and secure the victory.
The difference in the game was Washington made the plays when it mattered including a defensive goal line stand at the half-yard line that allowed them to lead 21-0 at the half. The defense also recorded five sacks and for the most part contained the elusive Tyrod Taylor.
And when things got tight after the Bills scored to make the score 28-17 Cousins hooked up with Garcon on a third and 16 for an 18-yard reception and crucial drive-extending first down on their last scoring drive.
After a slow first half , the Bills actually out gained the Redskins on the day but Washington won the important offensive statistics. They were 7 for 11 on third down and 4 for 4 in the red zone. By contrast, the Bills were 5 for 13 on third down and 0-2 in the red zone.
Running back Alfred Morris led the Redskins in rushing with 84 yards on 14 carries.
Bills quarterback Taylor was 16 for 27 for 235 yards. He also rushed for 79 yards on nine carries and was most of their offense in the first half. The Bills were led in rushing by Mike Gillislee who gained 81 yards on four carries including a 60-yard touchdown burst.
Buffalo was led in receiving by Sammy Watkins who had five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, one a 48-yarder, in a losing effort for the (6-8) Bills.
