Lions top Redskins 20-17 on Stafford’s TD pass to Boldin

Strongside linebacker Kyle Van Noy fought off a block from tight end Niles Paul to make first contact with Jones, and Williams fit the inside rushing lane. “I cut it loose and kind of thought to myself, ‘We’re either going to win the game or lose the game on this one.’ It was a tight window”. It took some time, but Stafford was starting to show that he was ready to take the franchise to the next level. I mean, I throw an interception right there, it’s on my back, I’m fine with it.

That stunning finish drew the focus, but the Redskins (4-3) squandered this game long before the decisive throw. And while they did get better, winning two games in the 2009 season, Stafford struggled, and fans were not impressed. Washington’s Kirk Cousins, not known as a running quarterback, stuck the ball in Chris Thompson’s belly, then yanked it out and raced around right end 19 yards for a touchdown as defensive end Kerry Hyder tackled the decoy. Stafford and his crew can do a lot, but having an established ground game would make the Lions a strong team. But I’m just trying to be aggressive in that situation. I believe in the guys I’ve got in the huddle with me. The defensive end closed and pulled it. He has been at the most effective pass rusher. He went 30 of 39 for over 300 yards, one touchdown to running-back Robert Kelley. You can look for other reasons the Lions won, and there were some, including Washington’s own undoing.

Ohio State dropped four spots to No. 6 in The Associated Press college football poll after its first loss of the season, and Penn State moved into the rankings for the first time since 2011 after upsetting the Buckeyes. Every play matters and there has to be focus on every play.

Unlike previous games, though, where the Redskins could count on getting key defensive takeaways, this time Detroit didn’t turn the ball over once. The touchdown was Zenner’s first touchdown of his career as he finished with nine carries for 29 yards. 52 of Jones’ yards came on a third quarter grab where he beat Josh Norman deep, making a catch despite interference from Norman. He followed up last weeks career best game with six more receptions today for 93 yards. Norman banged the side of his head on the turf on the play and headed to the locker room after being evaluated on the field. He matched his number of misses at Detroit, hitting the top of the left upright on a 45-yard attempt in the second quarter. Stafford is 4th in the league in completion percentage (68.1%), 8th in yards (1,914), and 6th in total QBR (71.4).

It was all the 3-3 tie after the first two quarters suggested.

Detroit’s banged-up backfield, which is missing Dwayne Washington (ankle) and Theo Riddick (ankle), created an opportunity for Justin Forsett to play a larger role in his second game with the team.

The last four Lions offensive plays were passes.

The Lions special teams has been unnoticeable for a majority of the season. The games they’ve won, however, have all been undeniably helped by Caldwell’s stinginess with second half timeouts.

It was a terrific performance by an elite quarterback, at least so far this season. With games this week against the Lions and next week against the Cincinnati Bengals, there is a strong chance that the Redskins can put a firm grasp on the season going into the bye week.