Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) raises his arms in frustration after throwing an interception against the Chargers. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)
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Game analysis
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Chargers extend lead over Redskins to 24 points in the third quarter
We’re just not seeing much from this Redskins team today. Up 23-6, the Chargers just executed a well-designed flea flicker pass to Keenan Allen that set up a third touchdown for Los Angeles and a 30-6 advantage with 6:17 left in the third quarter. Washington’s defense has forced just one punt, while its offense has had just one scoring drive. That’s not exactly a winning formula.
Chargers lead Redskins by three possessions in third quarter
Los Angeles came close to adding to its lead just before halftime, but running back Austin Ekeler attempted to score instead of going down to allow the Chargers time to call timeout and kick a field goal, and time expired. Still, the Redskins trail by three possessions entering halftime, down 23-6.
The Redskins have simply been dominated in the first half. They haven’t been able to stop the Chargers on either side of the ball. Washington’s only optimistic moment occurred after its lone scoring drive, a 23-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Vernon Davis, but placekicker Nick Rose missed the ensuing extra point. On the next drive, Josh Norman was burned by Tyrell Williams for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play. It killed any momentum Washington had gained, and it wasn’t able to get it back the rest of the half.
Chargers add to lead over Redskins with 75-yard touchdown pass, field goal
Philip Rivers recorded his second touchdown throw of the game with 10:02 remaining in the second quarter after connecting with wide receiver Tyrell Williams on a deep shot that goes 75 yards for a score.
After Washington turned the ball over on downs, the Chargers added to their lead with a 36-yard field goal, making the score 23-6.
Redskins cut into Chargers’ lead with Vernon Davis’ touchdown catch
The Redskins’ tight ends are keeping this a game. Niles Paul made a huge 15-yard reception on fourth down to keep the drive alive, leading to a 23-yard touchdown catch by Vernon Davis three plays later. This game looked like it was on the verge of a blowout, but the Redskins are down just one possession now, 13-6, even after kicker Nick Rose’s missed extra point.
Kirk Cousins intercepted, Los Angeles extends lead to 13-0
The Chargers turned a Kirk Cousins interception into a 21-yard field goal just before the end of the first quarter, bringing their lead to 13-0.
The Redskins desperately need to get something going on their next drive. They had just one first down in the first quarter and 27 total yards. Washington’s offense was on the field for just six plays while obtaining possession for 3:10. That won’t get it done.
Chargers take a 10-0 lead in first quarter
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Chargers scored on their first drive of the game, kicking a 33-yard field goal after advancing 60 yards on 10 plays.
Los Angeles then forced the Redskins to punt after just five plays, and marched down the field on a 10-play, 92-yard touchdown drive that ended with an eight-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Philip Rivers to tight end Hunter Henry.
The Chargers have controlled the ball 9 minutes, 31 seconds of the 12:24 in the game so far. This one could get ugly with the way Los Angeles is executing.
Washington Redskins (5-7) at Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET, StubHub Center
TV: CBS
Radio: 980 AM; 92.7 and 94.3 FM
SiriusXM: SIRI 81 or 145, Internet 831
Streaming: NFL Mobile | Reddit NFL streaming thread
Line: Chargers by 6, o/u 46.5
Box score: Updates every 60 seconds here
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Despite the doom and gloom after Washington failed to show up in its Week 13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins aren’t technically eliminated from the playoffs — yet. But to keep those slimmest of hopes alive, the Redskins will have to beat the surging Los Angeles Chargers Sunday.
With a defense led by potent pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, the Chargers will be a significant test for a Redskins’ offensive line that has been reconfigured repeatedly due to injuries.
Prepare for the West Coast clash with the best of The Post’s Redskins coverage from the past week:
• Redskins survey the offensive line carnage: ‘We’re just surviving, honestly’
• Jordan Reed ruled out, while Trent Williams, Morgan Moses are questionable
• Shazier injury hits home with Redskins
• Five story lines to follow Sunday
• Wait, is Trent Williams a hoarder? Kirk Cousins thinks so.
• Key matchups that will define the Redskins-Chargers game
• Brewer: Trent Williams is at the line of courageous and foolish
Tight end Jordan Reed will again miss the action due to a lingering hamstring injury. Meanwhile the offensive line’s two starting tackles, Trent Williams and Morgan Moses, are both active after being listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s game.
Other players on the Redskins injury report included inside linebacker Zach Brown (hamstring/Achilles), center Chase Roullier (hand), linebacker Martrell Spaight (ankle) and defensive lineman Terrell McClain (toe). Brown and Spaight are active, while Roullier and McClain are inactive. Safety Montae Nicholson and receiver Maurice Harris were previously ruled out.
You can read more on each injury coming into today’s game and potential impact here.