LANDOVER, MD. – Detroit hasn't found a way to make enough impact plays to win more games this season, and that continued Sunday against the Redskins.
After taking a 16-13 lead in the fourth quarter, Detroit's offense went punt, punt, interception and interception the rest of the way.
Detroit's defense couldn't step up late and make a play either. They allowed two field goal scoring drives on Washington's last two possessions, allowing the Redskins to escape with a 19-16 victory. It was Washington's second victory of the season. The loss drops Detroit's record to 3-7-1 on the year.
The game-winning field goal for Washington with 16 seconds left was set up by a Jeff Driskel interception at the Washington 46-yard line with just 48 seconds left.
Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a 3rd and 5 play for 17 yards down to the Lions' 21-yard line that proved to be the dagger play for the Redskins on the drive. Cornerback Darius Slay was in coverage.
The Redskins hit four field goals in the contest and had a 91-yard kickoff return touchdown. They were held out of the end zone by Detroit's defense, but still found a way to win the game.
Tight end Logan Thomas had the lone Detroit touchdown on a 12-yard reception from Driskel. Kicker Matt Prater was 2-of-3 kicking field goals.
QB comparison: Driskel had an outing he'd probably like to forget. He completed 20-of-33 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, but his three interceptions were killers, especially the last one in the final minute. He had a 50.9 passer rating and was sacked six times. He rushed for 63 yards on nine carries.
Haskins completed 13 of his 29 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns and an interception (Amani Oruwariye). He finished with a 47.5 passer rating.
Promising trend: Bo Scarbrough had a second straight good start for the Lions at running back. The second-year back out of Alabama, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this month and activated just last week, rushed 18 times for 98 yards for a 5.4 average per attempt.
That after running for 55 yards on 14 carries (3.9) and a touchdown in his first start at running back for the Lions against Dallas last week.
Worrisome development: Detroit's special teams cover units have been some of the best in the NFL this season, so it was surprising to see them give up a 91-yard kickoff return in the second quarter in what was Washington's only touchdown of the game.
Redskins return man Steven Sims Jr. dropped the ball around the Washington 10-yard line, picked it up, broke a tackle from Lions cornerback Mike Ford, and went untouched the rest of the way to the end zone.
Injury report: Wide receiver Marvin Hall left the game in the third quarter with a foot injury and did not return. He had one catch for 21 yards in the game.
Next up: vs. Chicago (5-6)
