Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns in his first start in replacement of Robert Griffin III, but fell just one play short of a comeback victory as the Washington fell to the Atlanta Falcons, 27-26, on Dec. 15 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga.
Washington had a chance to tie the score at 27 after Cousins tossed a three-yard touchdown to Santana Moss with less than 20 seconds left in the game. But instead of kicking an easy extra point to tie the score, Washington head coach Mike Shanahan decided to attempt a 2-point conversion that would have given Washington the win. Cousins’ pass on the two-point attempt fell incomplete.
Washington then had another chance after nearly recovering an onside kick, but the ball bounced back into the Falcons’ possession, securing Atlanta’s victory.
Cousins looked sensational on Washington’s final offensive possession, leading his team down the field for the score. He completed 29 of 45 pass attempts for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns, finishing with a 94.8 passer rating. But Cousins also tossed two untimely interceptions that hurt Washington’s chances of taking control of the game.
Washington had seven turnovers in the game, including two fumbles by running back Alfred Morris. Morris ran for 98 yards 18 carries.
Pierre Garcon caught seven passes for 129 yards and a 53-yard touchdown. Garcon now owns Washington’s all-time single season record for catches with 96 recorded this season.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passed for 210 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He finished with a 86.5 passer rating.
Washington fell to 3-11 this season, while the Falcons advanced to 4-10. Washington will next face the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 22 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
