MARK MY WORDS: Saints Experience Armageddon in DC; Skins Redeem Themselves

Kirk Cousins gives game ball to his father, who’s been battling cancer

By Mark Bacon

Midway through the NFL season, the Redskins’ record was the same as it was last year at the same juncture. The offense had grown timid and predictable, while the defense had been splintered, and worse, by opponents.

I approached the game with a massive amount of skepticism, and worse. I’m sure much of DC was feeling the same.

• Skins QB Kirk Cousins, had a career defining day. The oft maligned signal caller threw for 324 yards and four touchdowns in a 20-of-25 performance that equated the NFL’s first perfect passer rating (158.3) and makes Coach Jay Gruden’s decision to name the three-year backup the Redskins’ starter on the eve of the season, look like genius. And with Cousins’ father at game after a cancer diagnosis, no less. Storybook stuff. Good stuff.

• Kicker Dustin Hopkins added fields goals of 35, 23, 40 and 22 yards. The defense got in on the scoring, too, when free safety Dashon Goldson ran back an interception for another score. The Skins gashed the visiting Saints, 47-14, before a delirious crowd of 75,086 at FedEx Field.

• With the victory, the Redskins (4-5) equaled their total victories from last season, and remain relevant in the jumbled NFC East. The victory also proved — at least for one afternoon, against one of the NFL’s worst defenses — what’s possible when “Captain Kirk” plays to his ability, the Redskins’ running game gets going and the defense remains stalwart.

• For the first time in quite awhile, Washington’s offense used a balanced attack, with all-but-forgotten running back Alfred Morris gaining 93 yards and rookie running back Matt Jones supplying 55 on the ground and 131 yards on pass plays, including the 78-yard touchdown.

BACON'S BITS: The Redskins travel to Charlotte next Sunday to take on the unbeaten Panthers. Enjoy the feeling of victory while it lasts, or are we seeing a resurgent Redskins team?

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