Despite another week of drama, and another week of injuries, the Redskins responded with a gritty 20-17 overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.
In Rex Grossman's second start of the year, he failed to follow up last week's strong performance with an encore. Grossman finished the game going 19/39 for 182 yards with a touchdown pass and a pick. He while he was pressured at times, he still looked like the Rex Grossman we all expected he would be. Despite Grossman, the Redskins were able to use the ground game late as Ryan Torain gained 65 yards on 20 carries and a 4th quarter touchdown run. Torain showed toughness when he was given the opportunity to run with the ball, and because of that, he helped sustain drives. Overall, the Redskins offense did just enough to get the win.
But the stars of this game were the Redskins defense. Despite missing key members of the squad (including an in game injury to Carlos Rogers), they were able to hold the Jaguars down. They pressured quarterback David Garrard several times,sacking him four times and getting several key pressures (including numerous pressures by Rob Jackson). The key play in the game was in the overtime when the defensive pressure forced Garrard to make a rushed throw, and Kevin Barnes, making his first start at safety no less, made the interception and took it into field goal range.
From there Graham Gano hit a 31 yard field goal to give the Redskins their sixth win of the year, snapping their four game losing streak.
This game showed that the Redskins are still capable of putting in good effort late in the season, even if their season is over. It also showed that despite injury situation, they have young guys who are willing to step in and do a quality job. With all the drama that has been unfolding at Redskins park over the last few weeks, this win could help the Redskins finally have a week of peace and tranquility for once.
And given the media blitz they've encountered recently, they would certainly need it.