The Washington Redskins faces the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Andrew Luck completed 19 of 27 passes for 370 yards, five touchdowns and one interception to lead the Indianapolis Colts over Washington’s NFL team, 49-27, on Nov. 30 in Indianapolis.
Washington linebacker Ryan Kerrigan forced Luck to fumble on the first play from scrimmage, and defensive end Jason Hatcher recovered the ball. The turnover resulted in a 25-yard field goal by Washington’s Kai Forbath, but that 3-0 margin would be the last time Washington had the lead.
Football fans in the nation’s capital were abuzz after coach Jay Gruden benched quarterback Robert Griffin III in favor of Colt McCoy. But Washington was unable to get the ball moving in the first half, and McCoy’s offense struggled. McCoy was sacked four times in the first half, and six times in the game. Despite the difficulties, McCoy completed 31 of 47 for 392 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Washington Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen leaps into the end zone for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
After two touchdown passes by Luck to tight end Coby Fleener and receiver T.Y. Hilton, along with a 49-yard rushing touchdown by running back Daniel Herron, the Colts led Washington, 21-10, at halftime.
Early in the third quarter, McCoy avoided three tackles to keep a play alive, eventually delivering a pass to tight end Logan Paulsen for a 16-yard touchdown. Luck responded with a 48-yard touchdown pass to receiver Donte Moncrief on the next drive.
With seven and a half minutes left in the third quarter, Gruden decided to go for it on fourth and inches at Washington’s own 41-yard line. But the worst case scenario came true when McCoy fumbled the ball after being sacked by linebacker Erik Walden. Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson scooped up the fumble, and ran it into the end zone for a 35-yard defensive touchdown.
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, top, goes over Indianapolis Colts free safety Josh Gordy to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Later in the third quarter, DeSean Jackson caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from McCoy—his tenth reception of at least 40 yards this season, the most in the NFL.
However, Jackson’s reception was soon overshadowed by Fleener’s 73-yard touchdown reception on the next drive. In the fourth quarter, Luck would throw another deep touchdown—a 79-yarder to Moncrief—to cap the 49-27 victory.
Tight end Jordan Reed led Washington with nine receptions for 123 yards. Moncrief and Fleener led the Colts with 134 and 127 yards, respectively.
Washington’s NFL team will face the St. Louis Rams at home on Dec. 7 at 1:00 p.m.