The Washington Redskins avoided falling into the deep first-half hole that has characterized their 2013 season thus far, but were still unable to top the Detroit Lions, who held on for a 27-20 win on Sunday.
Lions vs. Redskins 2013 results: Detroit win drops Washington to 0-3
The Redskins find themselves in an unexpectedly deep hole after falling for the third consecutive week.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The loss drops the Redskins to 0-3 on the season, while the Lions improve to 2-1.
Robert Griffin III looked better on his surgically repaired knee, moving well in the pocket and showing his wheels off on a long run, but still didn't resemble the player that took the league by storm in 2012. He finished with 326 yards and an interception through the air, adding 37 rushing yards on six carries.
Detroit stuck a dagger when Matthew Stafford hit Calvin Johnson with an 11-yard touchdown with four minutes left in the fourth quarter to take a 27-17 lead.
A big moment in the game came when a second-half Redskins touchdown was called back after being reviewed. Griffin initially appeared to have connected with Aldrick Robinson on a 57-yard bomb, but instant replay showed the ball making contact with the turf as Robinson went to the ground.
After so much talk about the need for RGIII and the Redskins offense to start fast, it was the defense that got Washington on the board first. With Detroit pinned deep in their own territory, DeAngelo Hall snatched an errant pass intended for Johnson and weaved his way 17 yards back for a touchdown.
The Lions responded with 14 unanswered points, beginning with a 12-yard touchdown run from Joique Bell, who filled in at running back for an injured Reggie Bush.
Washington halfback Alfred Morris broke free for a long touchdown run to tie the game, 14-14, late in the second half, finding room on the right sideline for a 30-yard rumble.
After trading field goals, the Lions managed to build a decent cushion with 10 unanswered points. The Redskins would add a John Potter field goal to pull within seven, but could muster no more.
Fantasy Studs and Duds
If you were relying on RGIII to carry you through the season, it looks like you’re out of luck. While posting a solid 326 yards passing, he failed to score a single time, throwing a lone interception instead. Running back Alfred Morris managed to reach paydirt, adding 73 yards rushing to his one touchdown.
After a slow start, Calvin Johnson has erupted back on the fantasy scene with back-to-back big weeks. He had seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins. His quarterback, Matthew Stafford, had a nice day as well, throwing for 385 yards, two touchdowns and one pick.
Did they cover?
Detroit opened as one-point favorites, meaning they covered with their seven-point win.
Who’s next?
Sunday, Sept. 29, 1 p.m. ET: Chicago vs. Detroit
Sunday, Sept. 29, 4:25 ET: Washington vs. Oakland
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