A thrilling game between the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots has ended in bitter defeat for Washington. The Redskins drove the ball down the field and had it inside the Patriots' 15-yard line with two minutes left, but after a touchdown was called back, Rex Grossman's pass went off Santana Moss' hands and was intercepted by Jerod Mayo with 22 seconds left. The play was upheld on review, and the Patriots were able to seal a 34-27 victory to move to 10-3 on the year. Washington falls to 4-9.
The Redskins appeared ready to score when, on second down and goal, Moss caught a pass on a rollout for a five-yard touchdown. However, Moss was called for an offensive pass interference, bringing the ball all the way back to the Patriots' 15-yard line. Grossman found David Anderson for a six-yard gain to set up third and goal from the nine, but his next pass was intercepted.
The Redskins were given a chance when Josh Wilson intercepted Tom Brady in the end zone, stopping a sure Patriots scoring drive with 6:30 to go. Donte Stallworth picked up a pivotal first down on third and eight, then Evan Royster rushed for another first down to bring the ball past midfield. Grossman then dropped back and zipped a pass into zone coverage to Jabar Gaffney, who caught it and was tackled all the way down at the Patriots' 21-yard line. Roy Helu then picked up another first down on two runs just as the two-minute warning came up.
Tom Brady threw for 357 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for the win, while Grossman had 252 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Roy Helu picked up 126 yards on the ground for Washington. Rob Gronkowski had 160 yards and two touchdowns receiving for the Patriots.
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.