Redskins 4th String QB snaps 4-Game losing streak
By: Drew Willingham
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
JACKSONVILLE, FL- The Redskins entered Sunday’s contest against the Jaguars following a four-game losing streak and looked to change that with their fourth starting quarterback of the season, Josh Johnson. Including a 3-3 road record coming in, the team’s hopes were still high despite the setbacks they have endured thus far.
At the Week 15 mark, The Jaguars are eliminated from playoff contention, but the Redskins are still mathematically eligible depending on how the rest of the season plays out. One thing is for sure, cardiac levels have increased in the DC area throughout the duration of this season.
Quarterback Josh Johnson would make his first NFL start since Week 13 of the 2011 Season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a disastrous Week 14 start by Mark Sanchez, Johnson has emerged as Washington’s starter despite a 7-year absence and looked poised to get his first win of his career.
Jacksonville would fumble on the first drive to give Washington the ball as the wheels would begin to turn in the right direction for the injury riddled team. However, the first quarter would be a battle of the special teams, Washington would lead 3-0 after fifteen minutes of regulation. Adrian Peterson would only be involved in one play that would be a rush up the middle for 7-yards. The offenses for both teams would struggle to make an impact as they made their way towards the second quarter.
The second quarter would follow suit from the first, as it would be a battle of the special teams throughout the first twelve minutes or so. Jacksonville’s Kicker and former Redskin Kai Forbath would kick a 33-yard field goal to tie the game up at 3-3 just as the quarter would wind down. Both teams would punt following that drive, Washington would get the ball back with 43 seconds left in the quarter, but 20 seconds later, they would be forced to punt again with 23 seconds remaining. A 52-yard punt would turn in to a 74-yard return by Dede Westbrook, that would give Jacksonville a 10-3 lead heading in to halftime.
Washington would return from halftime looking to inch their way closer towards the lead as they would score on the first drive with a 33-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins. The remainder of the quarter would revert back to the majority of the first half as it would be a battle of the punters and field position heading in to the fourth quarter. Jacksonville would hold on to the lead at 10-6 at the end of three quarters.
Jacksonville would begin the final quarter with the ball and score on yet another field goal by Forbath, this one for 41-yards to increase their lead to 13-6. Following that drive, Washington would score on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Josh Johnson to TE Jeremy Sprinkle, the touchdown pass would be Johnson’s first in 7 years as the game was tied 13-13 with 5:46 remaining in the game. Jacksonville QB Cody Kessler would be intercepted by CB Fabian Moreau with 2:41 remaining, Washington would manage the clock, and kick a 36-yard field goal at the end of regulation to take the victory 16-13.
The win by the Redskins snaps a 4-game losing streak, earns Josh Johnson his first career victory as a starter, and keeps the teams playoff hopes alive as they are at a 7-7 record with two games remaining in the season. Washington has two tough matchups remaining against the Tennessee Titans and the rival Philadelphia Eagles that are must wins to have a shot at a playoff berth. If the Redskins can pull it off, it won’t be the first time they have had a elder backup with little to no game action in years lead them to a playoff berth. In 2007, following the wake of Sean Taylor’s death and a injury to QB Jason Campbell, Journeyman Todd Collins led the Redskins to four consecutive victories that led his team to a playoff berth when the critics gave them no chance at all. Don’t count out your team just yet Redskins fans!
