After an exciting first half full of offense, the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots are tied 20-20 at FedEx Field.
The two teams traded field goals after an opening second quarter trick play gave Washington the 17-14 lead. It was a thrilling play that put the FedEx Field crowd on their feet, as a reverse pass from Brandon Banks hit a wide open Santana Moss for the 49 yard score.
Both offenses have moved the ball up and down the field, but managed only three field goals on the final three possessions of the half. Stephen Gostkowski finished two of New England's drives that finished on the five and six yard lines, respectively. The Redskins defense rose up and held the Pats on the first stop, while the end of the half forced the second Gostkowski field goal. The drive was aided by a 15 yard unnecessary roughness call on London Fletcher, who hit Tom Brady with his forearm and shoulder as the Pats quarterback made a move to slide. It was a questionable call to say the least.
Brady finished the half with 166 yards passing. Rob Gronkowski has been huge for the Patriots in the middle of the field, gashing Washington's linebackers and safeties for 118 yards on just four catches. He also broke the record for touchdowns by a tight end with his 14th of the year.
Grossman has had a very productive first half as well, hitting nine of 15 attempts for 145 yards and a touchdown. He has thrown no interceptions through the first 30 minutes, after what looked like a New England pick was called back when Andre Carter was flagged for roughing Grossman.
For more on the New England vs. Washington game, be sure to follow this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins, please visit Hogs Haven. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Boston and Pats Pulpit.