Redskins need a lot of offense to get past injury-depleted Bears
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III passes during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears. (Oct. 20, 2013) Credit: Getty Images
LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Redskins beat the Chicago Bears yesterday, 45-41, raising their record to 2-4 but not doing much to alleviate the doubts surrounding the reigning NFC East champions.
The Redskins gave up an 81-yard touchdown on a punt return by Devin Hester and had their defense shredded by a backup quarterback playing his first regular-season game in 21 months.
They did take advantage of an injury-depleted Bears defense and scored their most points since 2005, but the Redskins needed every morsel of offense from Robert Griffin III and friends, right down to Roy Helu's game-deciding 3-yard TD run with 45 seconds left.
"When we go watch the film," Griffin said, "we won't watch it with smiles . . . But I think we made enough plays today to win the game, and that's all that matters."
Griffin completed 18 of 29 passes for 298 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and ran 11 times for a season-high 84 yards. Helu rushed for three scores and third-round rookie tight end Jordan Reed had a breakout performance with 134 yards and a touchdown, catching all nine passes thrown his way.
"Every game is big, but we sure needed it after being 1-4," coach Mike Shanahan said. "You don't want to dig yourself a bigger hole."
The Redskins' two victories have come against backup QBs -- Matt Flynn, who has since been released by the Oakland Raiders, and now Josh McCown, who entered the game in the second quarter after Jay Cutler left with a groin injury. Cutler will have an MRI today. McCown was 14-for-20 passing for 204 yards. -- AP
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
