Bears vs. Redskins 2013 final score: Washington outlasts Chicago in wild 45-41 win
A touchdown run by Roy Helu with under a minute left capped a wild back-and-forth contest between the Bears and Redskins.
A sack at midfield by the Washington Redskins ended a last-minute comeback attempt by the Chicago Bears, preserving a 45-41 win in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.
With time running out and up by four points, the Redskins were able to get to quarterback Josh McCown -- who was filling in for an injured Jay Cutler -- on the game's final play.
McCown took over after Cutler left the game with a groin injury in the second quarter.
Robert Griffin III was solid, throwing for 298 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and wide receiver Jordan Reed put up 134 yards and a touchdown as the Redskins improved to 2-4. The Bears dropped to 4-3 on the year.
McCown hit Martellus Bennett with a 7-yard touchdown pass with just over four minutes remaining to give the Bears a 41-38 lead, but Roy Helu's third touchdown run of the day put the Redskins back on top for good.
The two teams traded field goals to open the game before a 2-yard touchdown run from Matt Forte broke open the scoring and gave Chicago a 10-3 lead. The Redskins tied the game back up when Helu scampered 14 yards for his first touchdown of the day.
Defense and special teams played a big role in the second quarter. With 13 minutes remaining in the half, Jay Cutler's pass was tipped into the air and intercepted by linebacker Brian Orakpo, who raced down the sideline for a 29-yard touchdown. Seven minutes later, Devin Hester fielded a punt at his 19-yard line, gained the edge and sprinted 81 yards for a game-tying touchdown. The score gave Hester 19 career return touchdowns, tying Deion Sanders' NFL record, and extended his NFL record-punt return touchdowns to 13.
After RGIII’s first touchdown pass of the game put the Redskins back on top, Matt Forte broke loose through the teeth of the Redskins defense with a 50-yard touchdown run.
The teams continued the back-and-forth battle in the fourth quarter. Helu scored on a 3-yard run to put the Redskins up 31-24, but Forte found the end zone for the third time to tie the score for the fifth time in the game.
Fantasy studs and duds
With Cutler sidelined, the Bears offense ran through Forte, who finished with 91 yards and three scores on just 16 carries. Alshon Jeffery added 105 receiving yards and Brandon Marshall had six receptions for 75 yards.
Washington got a breakout performance from Reed, who had nine receptions for 134 yards and a score. While Alfred Morris led the Redskins in rushing attempts (19) and yards (95), it was Helu who got the all-important goal-line carries. He finished with 41 yards and three touchdowns.
Injury report
Jay Cutler limped off the field during the second quarter with a groin injury and was unable to return to the game.
Did they cover?
The Bears entered the game as 1½-point favorites, according to OddsShark.com, meaning they failed to cover in defeat.
What’s next?
Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:05 p.m. ET: Redskins vs. Broncos
The Bears are on bye.
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