Eagles outlast Redskins to spoil DeSean Jackson's return
Philadelphia Eagles 37, Washington Redskins 34
What happened: Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins racked up huge numbers in his first start in place of injured Robert Griffin III. But Nick Foles' fourth quarter, 27-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin sparked the Eagles to victory. With Griffin out with a dislocated ankle, Cousins hit 30-48 passes for 427 yards and three touchdowns. But after Maclin's score midway of the fourth broke a 27-27 tie, Cousins next pass was intercepted to set up a 51-yard field goal by Cody Parkey that made the difference. Cousins still responded by another touchdown drive that included his 55-yard screen pass touchdown to Roy Helu. Foles threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles are 3-0; Washington is 1-2.
Tempers flare: A brawl erupted in the fourth quarter after a blind side hit on Eagles quarterback Nick Foles. Players from both sides shoved and swarmed in the Redskins bench area. Redskins defensive lineman Chris Baker was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness and ejected after the hit on Foles. The Eagles quarterback had thrown a pass that was apparently intercepted when Baker hit him with a crushing shoulder blow. After the sideline skirmish by most players from both teams, Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and also ejected from the game. The interception was overturned on video review.
Back in Philly: Though he was iffy all week with a shoulder injury, wide receiver DeSean Jackson of the Redskins started against the Philadelphia team that cut him last March. Jackson had five catches for 117 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown. After a short catch on the Redskins opening drive, Jackson was booed by Philadelphia fans. Four plays later after another catch, Jackson shoved Eagles defensive Malcom Jenkins. Eagles safety Nate Allen then shoved Jackson and was penalized 15 yards Philadelphia completed most of its passes to running backs and receivers in the first two games. The wide receivers got into swing Sunday.
Evaluation: Eagles running back LeSean McCoy stayed on his back in the first quarter after taking a hit to the head on a 9-yard run. He went to the sideline, then jogged to the locker room for further evaluation of a possible concussion. McCoy was cleared to return. But he had a rough day rushing for just 22 yards on 20 carries.
Hall out: Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, in his 11th NFL season, was helped off the field in the second half. The Redskins said he had an Achilles tendon injury.