Quarterback Case Keenum celebrates after throwing a touchdown. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, Md. – It was the worst “Case” scenario for the Redskins.
Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw for a career-high four touchdowns, three of which came in less than five minutes of game time, as Minnesota beats the ‘Skins 38-30 Sunday at FedEx Field.
After the first of Kirk Cousins’ two rushing touchdowns on the day, Washington led the Vikings 17-14 with 4:37 left in the second quarter. However, following that score, the Vikings score 21 unanswered points to take a 35-17 lead with 12:22 to play in the third quarter. It was an advantage the NFC North-leading Vikes would not relinquish.
“We couldn’t get a stop on defense,” explained Redskins head coach Jay Gruden. “Hats off to Coach [Pat] Shurmur and obviously Case [Keenum] and the two receivers, the running game. They were very solid all across the board. They had us guessing and they were able to run the ball, able to drop back and throw it wherever they wanted and were very efficient. We didn’t do a good enough job on third down or in the red zone defensively, and then the turnover at the end of the half offensively gave them another touchdown and put us in the hole by 11. They started the third quarter and then they go down and go up by 18 right away, so that was a big swing that we couldn’t tip it back.”
Head coach Jay Gruden looks on during the second quarter against the Vikings. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
For the game, Keenum completes 21-of-29 passes for 304 yards, four touchdowns to four different receivers and a pair of interceptions – both by Redskins defensive captain D.J. Swearinger on back-to-back passes.
“I feel like we missed a lot of opportunities today, especially offensively,” Gruden added. “It’s too bad. Against a good football team. They’re 7-2 now I think in their conference, or division, I should say. You have to make those plays. We’re good enough to make them and we usually will.”
Washington drops to 4-and-5 overall and remains on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture. The Redskins play at NFC South-leading New Orleans (7-and-2) next Sunday.
The ‘Skins highlight of the day came on their first drive when Maurice Harris hauls-in what many are saying could be the catch of the year.
